Marquez wins Italian GP to stay perfect in MotoGP

Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo (left) led the race for long periods before eventually giving in to Honda's Marc Marquez

Marc Marquez won the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday with a pass at the start of the final lap to extend his perfect start to the MotoGP season.

With his sixth consecutive victory, Marquez became the first rider since Valentino Rossi won seven straight in 2002 to take six or more successive races.

Marquez started on pole but trailed Jorge Lorenzo for much of the race before finally passing his fellow Spaniard on a straight with seven laps to go.

The pair then traded the lead several times before Marquez finally surged in front for good around the outside of the Mugello circuit’s first turn.

“This was the toughest race of the year,” Marquez said. “I think it was a great show.”

Marquez, who rides for Repsol Honda, clocked 41 minutes, 38.254 seconds. Lorenzo finished 0.121 behind and seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi was third, 2.688 back.

Next up is the Catalonia GP in two weeks.