Championship leader and Repsol Honda star Marc Marquez claimed the MotoGP title in Japan following a dramatic finale on Sunday.

The stars aligned for Marquez - who hit the front 21 laps from the end - as he claimed a third championship in four seasons with three rounds still to go after Movistar Yamaha rivals Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo crashed out in Motegi.

Pole-setter Rossi started from the front of the grid, but Lorenzo quickly leapfrogged him after the first turn.

The Italian continued to push for second, which he achieved, until his unfortunate fall with 18 laps to go, leaving reigning champion Lorenzo standing between Marquez and another title.

Lorenzo needed to finish in the top four to prevent Marquez from being crowned champion on the weekend, but like Rossi, he dramatically crashed out with five laps remaining.

Andrea Dovizioso and Maverick Vinales finished second and third respectively.