Honda MotoGP bosses have said they will not change their policy on team orders for the Valencia final this weekend and will leave Marc Marquez to fight for the title on his own merit.
The youngster only needs to finish fourth if rival Jorge Lorenzo wins the race on Sunday to become the youngest ever premier class champion and in his rookie year. He has only been off the podium twice this season, when he crashed out of second place at Mugello and the blunder down under.
"This isn't something Honda has ever believed in and we won't change our position now. Any rider wants to win the Championship themselves, not because they were helped by their teammate," said an HRC spokesman.