While visiting the paddock at the Formula 1 Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona, Marc Marquez didn't just come to observe the world of four wheels. Between meetings at Montmeló, the Ducati rider also shared some particularly interesting thoughts on his current situation, his physical condition, and especially on this new generation that is now knocking on the door of the top.
Because if the Formula 1 discovers talents today like Kimi AntonelliMotoGP is experiencing exactly the same phenomenon with Peter Acosta ou Fermin Aldeguer. A situation that Marquez knows better than anyone. After all, he himself was that young prodigy who came to shake up the established order when he arrived in the premier category in 2013.
But thirteen years later, the roles have changed. The Spaniard now watches the young wolves arrive with the experience of someone who has won everything, without intending to cede ground to them.
Before that, Marc Marquez He wanted to give an update on his recovery after a start to the season marked by injuries and surgeries. I felt better than at Mugello. where I had experienced a bit of a slumpI'm recovering. Last weekend did me particularly good; I rediscovered that feeling of strength and positive energy »
A statement that confirms the impressions left during the Hungarian Grand PrixDespite a still painful shoulder, the pilot Ducati has regained speed, confidence and above all the ability to manage the pressure of big events.
Marc Marquez: “ I'm trying to work even harder to remain a formidable opponent, even for these youngsters. »
However, Marquez He refuses to get carried away. Behind the euphoria of his hundredth world championship victory, he continues to approach his season cautiously. I have to try to be at 100% every day. It doesn't matter if it's 70% or 80%. The important thing is to always tryIn any case, You have to give your best.We have two difficult matches coming up, then Germany, and after the summer break, I hope to improve. »
The message is clear: the champion isn't looking ahead to the end-of-year celebrations just yet. His priority remains his physical condition and his ability to gradually regain his full form.
Even when discussing the title fight, Márquez remains true to his method: taking it one step at a time. As a driver, from day one, I always have to give it my all on the track. Then we'll see, anything can happen. But obviously, we are not yet at the point where we can really attackI need to assess my future physical condition first, and then try to give it my all. »
In Barcelona, it's impossible to ignore the comparisons between the meteoric rise ofAntonelli in Formula 1 and that of drivers like Acosta ou Aldeguer in MotoGP. For the first time in a long time, Marquez He no longer speaks like the up-and-coming young prodigy. He speaks like the champion that the new generation is now trying to dethrone.
And his response deserves attention. Sometimes, it's better to accept it. To accept the arrival of young talents like Acosta and Aldeguer, ten or twelve years younger, who arrive with a different fighting spirit and energy. This is the normal course of an athlete's career; it's the lot of everyoneI'm trying to work even harder to remain a formidable opponent, even for these youngsters. »
Marc Marquez He accepts the passage of time. He recognizes the emergence of a new generation. He knows that pilots like Acosta ou Aldeguer represent the future of MotoGPBut he still refuses to abandon the present to them. While many already see Acosta as the future boss of the championship, it's still Marquez who just beat him fair and square to clinch his 100th Grand Prix victory. The next generation is definitely here. The problem for them is that the king still hasn't relinquished his throne.
