Marquez targets "podium, not victory" in Japanese GP

The Spaniard is 52 points up on Valentino Rossi with four races to go, meaning he has an outside chance at wrapping up his third premier-class title this weekend already.

But despite having topped FP3 and FP4 and only just missing out on pole to Rossi, Marquez has hinted he is willing to ensure a podium in Sunday's race instead of forcing the issue in the fight for victory.

"At the moment, I expect a tight fight with both Yamaha riders, looks like they're the strongest," Marquez said.

"Then you have more riders [in contention] but I feel the Yamahas are the strongest, like every year. But this year I'm happy because I can be with them.

"We'll see. My target is finishing on the podium, it's not the victory tomorrow."

Marquez did say, however, that he felt more comfortable in race trim at Motegi.

"This circuit was one of the most difficult circuit for us during all the season - and we are there, we are very close, we are consistent on the laptime.

"Race pace is where I felt slightly better. Looks like with the new tyre I struggle a little bit to find the feeling on the brake points, but when the tyre drops a little bit, I'm able to manage better the limits.

"We'll see tomorrow how the weather is - with higher temperatures looks like Yamaha are stronger, with colder temperature I felt slightly better."