Following his thrilling victory over Andrea Dovizioso in Thailand, Marc Marquez holds a 77-point MotoGP title lead with just four rounds to go.

If Marquez can finish the Japanese round with an advantage of 75 points or more, the Repsol Honda rider will be crowned MotoGP champion for the fifth time.

Marquez has won seven races so far this season, compared with three for Dovizioso. So if Dovizioso doesn't win in Japan, Marquez will end the year with more race wins and be champion even if they are equal on points after Valencia.

A fifth premier-class crown for Marquez would leave only two riders with more 500cc/MotoGP World Championships in the history of motorcycle grand prix - see below...

Most successful riders in MotoGP history! Video of Most successful riders in MotoGP history! CrashTV: Video Thumbnail:

Since joining MotoGP in 2013, Marquez has only lost the world championship once, being beaten by Yamaha riders Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi in 2015.

Marquez has signed to remain at Repsol Honda until at least the end of 2020, by which time he could join Rossi on seven premier-class crowns.

The #93 has also won the 125cc title in 2010 and Moto2 title in 2012.