Marc Marquez, the 28 years of a rider who has left a mark in the last decade of MotoGP. And that everyone hopes to see again on the track soon.
Marc Márquez turns 28 today. A champion that fans love or hate, but apparently it’s something that can happen to the greats of racing history. What the two ‘factions’ cannot deny, however, is that the Cervera rider has written a particularly important chapter of history in the MotoGP World Championship. A pilot who as a child almost disappeared on the saddle of a motorcycle, he was so small but capable of becoming one of the true greats of this sport. A boy who unfortunately is also facing an injury that is really more problematic than expected, still leaving many doubts about the date of his actual return to racing.
Meanwhile, let’s remember some numbers. At 28 he scored 8 world championships, 6 of these in the premier class and two in the minor categories. He became the youngest world champion in MotoGP, as well as the first to win on his debut since Kenny Roberts (1978). He still holds the record for victories and pole positions in a single season, 13 (in the case of successes, beating Doohan at 12 in 1997). It is only one crown from the nine of Ubbiali, Hailwood and Rossi. Marc Márquez is 4th ever as GPs won, 6th for total podiums and 5th for fastest race laps. He stands out in the number of pole positions, the best with 90 (Lorenzo 2nd is at 69).
WHEN WILL HE RETURN?
Who knows how much he would have increased his records in 2020 … But with the ‘ifs’ history is not written, given that reality tells us that Márquez has been stopped since last March, since that unfortunate accident that took place in Jerez. An unexpected injury, a too-quick return, even more unexpected consequences, with Honda having to give up its top man. When will he come back? And what will its level be? Some are ready to bet that the Cervera champion will immediately be ready to fight with the leaders. Some say that it will take a long time to see him again at the top. What is certain is that the MotoGP paddock hopes to see the rider who has left a good mark in the last decade as soon as possible.
We recall the recent words of Fabio Quartararo on the Catalan. “When you have Marc in front or right behind on the track, you subconsciously think. ‘Heck, he’s a guy who has dominated in recent years, I hope to fight with him’. Having him close has led me to push to overcome my limits.” Reigning champion Joan Mir certainly hopes for his compatriot to return soon. Who in the past risked risking his career. Let’s not forget the vision problems at the end of 2011. Those were fortunately resolved and were followed by memorable seasons. While we wait, let’s take up the words of our little brother and twice world champion Alex: “May you return to live your great passion.”