MotoGP 2015, German Grand Prix: Marc Marquez edges Dani Pedrosa in Repsol Honda 1-2 finish

MARC Marquez has continued his love affair with the Sachsenring, winning his sixth straight race at the track to re-ignite his MotoGP world championship defence.

Spain’s Marc Marquez races during the MotoGP qualifying at the Sachsenring circuit in Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Germany, Saturday, July 11, 2015. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer)

WORLD champion Marco Marquez beat Dani Pedrosa for a Repsol Honda 1-2 at the German Moto Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his sixth straight in as many visits at the Sachsenring.

Marquez crossed the line in 41 minutes, 1.087 seconds to maintain his run of German victories, all from pole position, after wins in MotoGP (2013, 2014), Moto2 (2011, 2012) and 125cc (2010).

“From the beginning I felt good and when I had the gap I just tried to manage it,” Marquez said.

It was the Spaniard’s second victory of the season. Compatriot Pedrosa was 2.226 seconds behind.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team take a selfie.

Italian nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi finished third, 5.608 behind, to stretch his lead atop the MotoGP standings to 13 points over Yamaha teammate Jorge Lorenzo, who was fourth, almost 10 seconds back.

“I tried to battle but (Pedrosa) was too quick,” Rossi said. “Anyway, it’s another podium, I gained three points on Jorge which is important for the championship. We know that we always suffer here against the Hondas.”

Marquez is 65 points behind Rossi at the halfway stage of the championship and faces a battle to keep his world title even after his 21st Moto GP win.

Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team celebrates the victory.

Italy’s Andrea Iannone and British riders Bradley Smith and Cal Crutchlow were all well back in fifth, sixth and seventh, respectively.

Earlier, Xavier Simeon of Belgium won the Moto2 race on his Kalex for his first ever victory in his sixth season, beating championship leader Johann Zarco of France. Spain’s Alex Rins was third.

Britain’s Danny Kent won the Moto 3 class on his Honda to stretch his lead in the rankings. Spain’s Efren Vazquez and Italy’s Enea Bastianini were second and third, respectively, also racing Hondas.

The next Grand Prix is in Indianapolis on Aug. 9.

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Originally published as MotoGP 2015, German Grand Prix: Marc Marquez edges Dani Pedrosa in Repsol Honda 1-2 finish