In the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, Valentino Rossi is in good position to take his sixth MotoGP World championship, exceeding the total number of premier class titles taken by Mick Doohan, and becoming the only rider ever to win the World Championship on 500cc, 990cc and 800cc machines.The Italian driver is now 87 points ahead of current champion Casey Stoner and has a 7 more points lead over Dani Pedrosa. A podium finish for the Yamaha rider would assure him of the title even if Stoner had his first Japanese win. If the Australian finishes second, Rossi would only need to finish eighth or better. For Stoner to maintain his place as a contender would required the Ducati pilot to win and for Rossi to fail to secure a point.
MotoGP: Valentino Rossi in control of the championship