Hector Barbera made a splash on the factory Ducati.

Sadly it was s splash into the gravel trap at Turn 3. The fall dislodged the right side winglet which this marshal risked his (or her) life to remove from the gravel.

Barbera ordered the marshal to drop the winglet and help push him out of the gravel.

He managed to restart the Ducati and rejoin the race…

…leaving a stream of loose gravel on the tarmac.

Afer Rossi and Lorenzo retired, Andrea Dovizioso claimed second place.

Maverick Vinales scored another Suzuki podium.

Cal Crutchlow was top non-factory rider.

But the day was all about Marc Marquez clinching his fifth championship.

Even though the title was not expected to be settled in Japan, the Marquez folks were ready just in case and had shirts and the bling helmet on hand.

Emotion outweighed good sense on the podium as Marquez leapfrogged a Honda dignitary. True to form, Marquez apologized immediately before resuming his celebration.

Though I was disappointed to hear (even in Japan, bastion of politeness and courtesy) Rossi fans boo Lorenzo several times over the weekend and then cheer when he crashed, I was pleased to see these two members of the yellow brigade who applauded politely as Marquez was acknowledged as the new champion.

©2016 by Scott Jones / PhotoGP – All Rights Reserved

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