MotoGP, Marc Márquez: “racing until 40 is one thing, being a favorite for the title another”

One day after that of Valentino Rossi, Marc Márquez celebrates his birthday. The Spaniard turns 26 today, Sunday February 17. At this age, Márquez has already achieved countless successes in motorcycle Grand Prix racing and has set numerous new records. He is thus the youngest driver in history to have won seven world championship titles in all categories. Without a doubt, Marquez is one of the best MotoGP riders of all time…

But how long will he fly? Can he imagine being as active as Red when he reaches the age of 40? He responds on motorsport total : " yes, it's impressive“, declares Márquez about the Doctor. “ Of course, you can still ride at 40 if you keep the motivation to be on the bike, but it's another question whether you're still motivated to remain one of the title favorites. He's amazing and of course I wish I was like that when I'm 40. But for each driver, the passion is different. "

With 70 world championship victories, Márquez already occupies fifth place in the rankings in Grand Prix history. In front of him we find Mike Hailwood (76 victories), Angel Nieto (90) Valentino Rossi (115) and Giacomo Agostini (122). In MotoGP, Márquez has already won 44 victories in the premier category. It also means fifth place. He follows, Jorge Lorenzo (47) Mick doohan (54) Giacomo Agostini (68) et Valentino Rossi (89). With 80 pole positions, Márquez is already the sole record holder in the specialty.

Marquez's MotoGP records (end of 2018):

– the youngest world champion (20 years and 266 days)

– the youngest driver with 5 world championship titles in the premier category (25 years and 246 days)

– the youngest winner of a race in the premier category (20 years and 63 days)

– the youngest author of a pole position in the premier category (20 years and 62 days)

– the youngest driver with the fastest lap (20 years and 49 days)

– most wins in a season: 13

– youngest driver with 12 pole positions in one season (21 years and 243 days)

– only driver with 13 pole positions in one season

– youngest driver to win 12 races in a season (21 years and 251 days)

– youngest driver with 4 consecutive pole positions (2013)

– youngest rider to achieve 4 consecutive victories in the MotoGP era (since 2002)

– the youngest driver to defend his world title (21 years and 237 days)

– first rookie with 4 consecutive victories (2013)

– most wins in the first season: 6

– most pole positions in the first season: 9

– most podiums in the first season: 16

– most points in the World Championship in the first season: 334

– youngest rookie with 2 consecutive pole positions (2013)

– first rookie with 4 consecutive pole positions

– only the Spaniard to successfully defend his title.