This Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Twin Ring Motegi, Marc Marquez secured victory and the title of World Champion in the MotoGP category.
At just 23 years and 242 days old, Marquez becomes the youngest five-time World Champion. The previous record was previously held by his rival this season, Valentino Rossi who captured his fifth title in 2003 at the age of 24 years and 238 days. But that's not all, Marquez is also the youngest triple World Champion in the 500cc/MotoGP category. He surpasses Mike Hailwood who won his third crown in 1964 at the age of 24 years and 108 days.
He joins the club of three stars in the premier category made up of Jorge Lorenzo, Wayne Rainey and Kenny Robert. All categories combined, he joins Mick Doohan, Jorge Lorenzo and Anton Mang. Note that in terms of Honda titles in 500cc/MotoGP, he equals Rossi. Only Doohan surpasses him with 5 titles (consecutive).
With this title today, the Honda Repsol team driver breaks other records since he is the only driver with Giacomo Agostini and Mike Hailwood since 1969 to win at least 5 times per season for 7 seasons.
« It's amazing, honestly this feeling is amazing,” exclaims Marquez. “ When I got up this morning I felt normal and thought the title was impossible. I had a good start and I felt Rossi was a little nervous. Feeling comfortable on the bike, I pushed myself and followed my pace. »
« I remained calm at the start of the race, » adds the Spaniard. “ I didn't want a fight against Valentino. So I needed to widen the gap. »
Shortly after Marquez took command, Red went to fault, " I was informed that Rossi was no longer there. I started to think, but I stayed focused. Then, when Lorenzo crashed, I lost my concentration and made several mistakes missing gears and my lines. I knew I had to finish the race [in the Top 10], but Andrea [Dovizioso] wasn't that far away and I had to stay calm. I didn't expect to win this weekend. I was at the limit during testing."
It took me losing a championship to understand that you shouldn't seek victory at all costs and that's a high price to pay. When I lost my leading position at Le Mans, I swore to myself not to push anymore if I didn't feel it. That's what I did, and it wasn't easy.Marc Marquez – Motegi 2016
After 2014, Marquez won his second MotoGP title at Motegi, but this time, it was with a first victory on the Honda track, “It’s special to win here, in front of the bosses,” he smiled. “ The start of the season was the most difficult point, with probably the most difficult preseason of my career. But we always believed in it especially after Austin. »
« The first two victories allowed me to have a different approach. I told the Honda engineers that I was counting on them and that I would change my behavior in the first races. I also told them that I was going to need their help in the second half of the season. »
After his victory in Germany, Marquez was looking forward to the Aragon Grand Prix, “ I started to get nervous after Germany, and I was waiting for Aragon, the key point of the season. We carried out an important test to prepare for the last four races. » Marquez also points out that his team played a big role in his behavior this season by asking him to enjoy and perhaps be less serious.
« I pushed a lot to get the big fins. We have them since Brno and we are getting better and better,” notes Marquez about the progression this season. “ I also learned a lot following Valentino in Barcelona. He has more experience with Michelins and today I use them in a different way. »
Thanks to this fifth victory, Marquez wins his third title after missing it last season, “ The end of the Championship [2015] was difficult, but I learned a lot,” confides the Spaniard. “ It took me losing a championship to understand that we should not seek victory at all costs and that is a high price to pay. When I lost my leading position at Le Mans, I swore to myself not to push anymore if I didn't feel it. That's what I did, and it wasn't easy. Every season is difficult, but the pressure was very high this season. »
“This Championship is very important and maybe you become a real champion when you know how to handle pressure. I'm really happy, but I can't say I'm as happy as in 2014. The pressure was different this season and it's hard to describe it. »
Marquez didn't expect to be titled today, but his team had already prepared everything, " Like I said, I knew it would have been difficult to win here. I didn't know the team always prepared. I don't know what the party will be like, but the best ones are the ones you don't expect."
The five-time World Champion can now approach the last three meetings with serenity… or not, “ My old style might come back a little… We have to be careful, but he [former Marquez] will come back."
Photo credit: MotoGP.com
