Marc Marquez has returned to the top of the MotoGP standings for the first time this season, but the 33-year-old insists his biggest pressure moment came during his rookie title fight against Jorge Lorenzo in 2013. As he prepares for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, Marquez reflected on the tense Valencia finale that decided his first premier-class crown.
This season, Marquez is level on points with Jorge Martin, holding the tie-break thanks to more grand prix victories. However, Marquez downplays the notion of a two-rider duel. "We're equal on points, but it’s not only us. There’s Bezzecchig For me, from first to seventh position is less than 100 points. So a lot of things can happen," he said.
When it comes to title-fighting experience, no one can match Marquez, who claimed his first MotoGP title as a rookie in 2013. That championship was decided in a nail-biting final-round showdown at Valencia against reigning double champion Jorge Lorenzo. "I will say 2013 Valencia, fighting for my first World Championship in MotoGP against Lorenzo. It looks easy to finish in the top four, but at the same time it was difficult. Valencia, the last race, cold... That one was a difficult Sunday," Marquez recalled.
But the Spaniard thrives under pressure. "Normally with the extra pressure, I like it. I feel comfortable, and it gives me that extra concentration," he added. That statement could be ominous for his rivals this season.
Ahead of the Red Bull Ring round, Marquez insists leading the standings makes little difference to his approach. "We are in a new, but same situation. I mean, for me to lead the championship or be behind by not many points is very similar. The approach is the same, and of course, race by race we will try to do our 100%," he said.
The Austrian circuit has been a happy hunting ground for Ducati, who have won ten of the last 12 grands prix there. Marquez acknowledges the track suits the Italian machine. "Of course, it's a track where Ducati normally works very, very well. Last year I enjoyed a lot this track, but last year I enjoyed many tracks!" he said with a smile.
After previously speaking about knowing when to attack and when to survive, Marquez classifies this weekend as one to "enjoy". "We are in a good moment. It's true that every race is different, but right now I start enjoying, so this is the most important for me. I know that I will suffer in some races, but step-by-step it looks like with time, with races, I found the way to adapt my riding style for what the bike needs. We are changing a few things, and step by step I feel better and better. Let's see if we can keep the same performance this weekend," he concluded.
Opening practice at the Red Bull Ring takes place on Friday morning. Marquez is in a strong position, but with eight races remaining, anything can happen. The pressure is high, but as he says, it only makes him more focused. Fans eagerly await to see if Marquez can maintain his momentum in Austria.
Baca Juga
Marc Marquez, Jorge Martin, dan Pedro Acosta menyoroti kepindahan paling menarik untuk MotoGP 2027, termasuk Nicolo Bulega dan para rookie.
Marc Marquez memimpin klasemen MotoGP 2026 jelang GP Austria di Red Bull Ring. Ducati dan Aprilia bersaing ketat di klasemen konstruktor, sementara KTM dan Yamaha berjuang di kandang.
Marc Marquez mengungkap momen tekanan terberatnya di MotoGP saat duel gelar 2013 melawan Jorge Lorenzo. Kini ia memimpin klasemen, siap hadapi Red Bull Ring.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!