Reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez will not take any more risks, be patient and let the 2017 title come to him after a titanic scrap for victory at Phillip Island.

The Repsol Honda rider emerged victorious from an eight-man battle in the race of the year so far and now has a 33-point lead with two races left but he believes now is the time to settle it down and let other people put themselves on the line.

“I took a lot of risks during the season and now it is time to be more patient. Also today in a few parts of the race but now, honestly, it is time to enjoy this victory. From tomorrow I will start to think about Malaysia but with that advantage, it is big, but not enough,” said Marquez, speaking at the track.

“You need to be patient, like a little bit in 2016, I take a lot of risks during the season on the tests, on the free practice, and now we need to approach maybe a little bit differently the next races.

“We know that Malaysia was a difficult circuit in the pre-season but now it is a completely different bike so we will see there, but try to give our maximum and try to control yourself a little bit in the race.

“Now it’s time to breathe, but also be quiet, because 33 points and I’m feeling really good with the bike and confident. Now is not the time to do stupid things and from tomorrow I will sit with my team and try to plan well and organise well for the last two races.”