Honda’s Marc Marquez led another Spanish 1-2-3 finish in MotoGP on his way to achieving the fifth victory of his rookie MotoGP career at Brno, in the Czech Republic, overnight.

With it he established a new individual record … scorer of the most premier class wins in a season by a newcomer.

Marquez (pictured above, left) celebrated his fourth win in a row to seize a clear 26-point lead at the top of the championship at Brno, fending off the challenges of key title contenders Dani Pedrosa (Honda) and Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha).

The 20-year-old Marquez has bolstered his chances of becoming world champion in a sensational maiden season, capping his brilliant victory at Brno with a new lap record of 1m 56.135s to underline his status as the sport’s dominant force.

Marquez also became the first rider since Valentino Rossi in 2008 to win four or more MotoGP races in succession and also matched the Italian superstar’s feat of rostrum finishes in a debut season.

“I’m so happy! Before we came here I didn’t expect to win, because Jorge and Valentino had both tested at Brno recently and Dani is always so fast here and won the race last year,” said Marquez.

“It is a completely different track to those at which we have raced before, and these 25 points feel different to Indianapolis.

“This was a very hard-fought win and I enjoyed myself a lot,” he added.

“The battle with Jorge was really good and we are pleased with the victory. Thanks to all the team.”

Asked if the size of his title lead means he can now afford to back off a little, Marquez replied:

“It will be difficult, especially because my personality is always to attack. Also there are still seven races to go, so we need to keep pushing like now. If we cannot win we need to be on the podium. Dani and Jorge are both so strong, but especially Dani I think will be the most dangerous.

“I will try to push in every race. I don’t feel any pressure.”

Photo courtesy MotoGP

Results from Brno, in the Czech Republic:

1. Marc Marquez ESP Repsol Honda Team (RC213V) 42m 50.729s
2. Dani Pedrosa ESP Repsol Honda Team (RC213V) 42m 51.042s
3. Jorge Lorenzo ESP Yamaha Factory Racing (YZR-M1) 42m 53.006s
4. Valentino Rossi ITA Yamaha Factory Racing (YZR-M1) 43m 0.830s
5. Alvaro Bautista ESP Go&Fun Honda Gresini (RC213V) 43m 0.907s
6. Stefan Bradl GER LCR Honda MotoGP (RC213V) 43m 10.536s
7. Andrea Dovizioso ITA Ducati Team (GP13) 43m 25.744s
8. Nicky Hayden USA Ducati Team (GP13) 43m 26.083s
9. Andrea Iannone ITA Energy T.I. Pramac Racing (GP13) 43m 41.878s
10. Aleix Espargaro ESP Power Electronics Aspar (ART CRT) 43m 47.121s
11. Colin Edwards USA NGM Forward Racing (FTR-Kawasaki CRT)* 43m 48.149s
12. Michele Pirro ITA Ignite Pramac Racing (GP13) 43m 56.159s
13. Danilo Petrucci ITA Came IodaRacing Project (Suter-BMW CRT)* 44m 3.093s
14. Hiroshi Aoyama JPN Avintia Blusens (FTR-Kawasaki CRT)* 44m 4.229s
15. Randy De Puniet FRA Power Electronics Aspar (ART CRT) 44m 4.857s
16. Yonny Hernandez COL Paul Bird Motorsport (ART CRT) 44m 5.720s
17. Cal Crutchlow GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (YZR-M1) 44m 11.369s
18. Michael Laverty GBR Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM-ART CRT)* 44m 25.191s
19. Karel Abraham CZE Cardion AB Motoracing (ART CRT) 44m 40.442s
20. Bryan Staring AUS Go&Fun Honda Gresini (FTR-Honda CRT) 44m 40.753s
21. Martin Bauer AUT Remus Racing Team (S&B Suter-BMW CRT) +1 lap

Bradley Smith GBR Monster Yamaha Tech 3 (YZR-M1) DNF
Lukas Pesek CZE Came IodaRacing Project (Suter-BMW CRT)* DNF
Claudio Corti ITA NGM Forward Racing (FTR-Kawasaki CRT)* DNF
Hector Barbera ESP Avintia Blusens (FTR-Kawasaki CRT)* DNF
* Standard ECU.

Pole position:
Cal Crutchlow GBR Yamaha 1m 55.527s

Standings after 11 of 18 rounds: