Stoner turns up pressure with Japan victory
Stoner started the race third on the grid but was leading the way by the end of the first lap, putting pole-sitter Andrea Dovizioso and second-placed Valentino Rossi in the shade.
Dovizioso and Rossi came in second and third respectively but could not live with Australian Stoner, who triumphed by 3.868secs.
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Hide AdHonda rider Dovizioso held firm behind Stoner, but Rossi was engaged in a thrilling battle for the final podium place with team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.
The overall leader eventually lost out to the reigning champion, his third finish outside the top three in a row.