Defending MotoGP champion Marc Marquez continued his dominance of the Grand Prix of the Americas with a third successive triumph in Austin on Sunday.

The two-time world champion had to settle for fifth in the opening race of the 2015 season in Qatar, but normal service was resumed for the Repsol Honda rider as he coasted to victory.

After a delayed start due to water leaking onto the track, Andrea Dovizioso produced a stunning start to take the lead at the first corner, with pole-sitter Marquez biding his time before overtaking the Italian on lap four.

From there the Spaniard never looked back as he quickly opened up a comfortable lead, while Valentino Rossi and Dovizioso battled for second.

The fight for a podium place gave Marquez the opportunity to pull away, and although Rossi temporarily held got the better of his rival it was the Ducati rider who sealed second place.

Rossi had to settle for third, while team-mate Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Iannone in the second Ducati completed the top five.

WHERE THE RACE WAS WON
Marquez squeezed his way past Dovizioso on the fourth lap before pulling away to secure an easy win.

OFF TO A FLYER
Dovizioso caught his illustrious rivals on the front row napping as he snuck past Lorenzo and pole-sitter Marquez to lead out of the first corner.

HOT LAP
Ducati produced the three quickest laps of the race, with Iannone going fastest on lap four in a time of 2:04.251.

RACE TO FORGET
Scott Redding, who qualified a career-best sixth, crashed out on the opening lap as he tried to overtake Pol Espargaro.

RACE STAT TO REMEMBER
Marquez has a 100 per cent record at the Grand Prix of the Americas with victories in all three races since 2013.

IN THE POINTS
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) 43:47.150
Andrea Dovisioso (Ducati) +2.354
Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha) +3.120
Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha) +6.682
Andrea Iannone (Ducati) +7.584
Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha) +10.557
Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) +16.967
Aleix Espargaro (Suzuki) +19.025
Maverick Vinales (Suzuki) +38.570
Danilo Petrucci (Pramac Racing) +41.796

TITLE STANDINGS
Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha) 41
Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati) 40
Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) 36
Andrea Iannone (Ducati) 27
Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha) 26

NEXT UP
Argentina hosts the third race of the new season next weekend.