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Marquez within touching distance of title

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AFP Madrid
Marc Marquez is aiming to become the youngest ever MotoGP world champion at the age of 20 as the Spaniard takes a 13-point lead over compatriot and defending champion Jorge Lorenzo into the season's final Grand Prix in Valencia this weekend.

Marquez has seen his lead whittled down by a late season charge by Lorenzo, but will seal the title in his maiden year in MotoGP should be finish fourth or better at the Ricardo Tormo circuit.

The Honda Repsol rider remains very much the favourite for the championship having only failed to make the podium once this year, when he was disqualified for failing to pit in time for a mandatory change of tyres in Australia last month.
 

"I am desperate to get back on the bike," he told Spanish sports daily Marca.

"Obviously we know what is in play in this last Grand Prix of the year, but, as always, we will face it as we have in all the other races. We will work hard from Friday and we will do our best."

After a blistering mid-season run of four straight wins that put him in charge in the championship standings, Marquez has won just one of the last six races and suffered a heavy crash during practice at Motegi in Japan last time out.

However, he is counting on the positive experience of winning the Moto2 race in Valencia last year to see him over the line.

"It has been good to spend a few days at home after three long weeks away. After the fall in Motegi I have been doing muscular rehabilitation on my neck ahead of the race and now I feel much better.

"We have had good performances in Valencia before. I have always given my all there and I have good memories of last year in Moto2. The weather will also be a factor to take into account because it is very changeable.

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First Published: Nov 07 2013 | 10:20 AM IST

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