Ten-time Finnish ice racing champion Aki Ajo has helped to guide Mika Kallio and Mike Di Meglio into MotoGP. As boss of Ajo Motorsport, he’s confident that his latest charge, Marc Márquez, who is currently taking the 125 series by storm, has the right stuff to take him all the way to the top…
Why did you sign Marc Márquez? What did you see in him?
It wasn't a difficult choice. I've followed his career for years and I think he's one of the most promising talents in the world, which, in my opinion, has been proved by the results this season.
When did he first come to your attention?
The first time I saw him was during the 2007 season, when he was competing in the CEV (Spanish Speed Championship), and looking back, I remember that I thought we could take this young rider all the way. After all, nurturing new talent to its full potential has been our raison d’être for some years now.
You did the same for riders like Mika Kallio or Mike Di Meglio. What do you think they have in common?
They are all in the elite of world championship riders at the moment, but they are very different people. They do have some things in common, particularly their huge capacity to concentrate and their desire to win.
What were your impressions of Marc on his first day of work with you?
Impressive! That was my first thought. I saw that the qualities that I had recognised from the outset were his strongest points, but also that he is very, very professional and calm, and has that incredible capacity to concentrate. Marc is a real team player, with a great desire to win, but also to continue learning.
Where have you had to give him the most guidance?
First of all, even though Marc is only 17, he’s a true professional. Obviously, there are still areas where he needs to develop, and as a team, we try to make a little progress every day in order to reap the benefits in the future. So, for example, if a young rider is too enthusiastic, it’s our job to talk about the situation.
Another part of being a good rider is giving getting accurate feedback for finding the right set-up. How good is Marc at that?
Very good, considering his age and experience. His ability to accurately describe his feelings, even during the practice, makes our view of the data much easier, and that helps us take the rider's opinion into account for finding the correct set-up.
How has he settled in with the team?
Very well. His mentality is very similar to the calm and analytical way of working that Northern Europeans are used to.
Are you surprised by his performances since Mugello?
To tell the truth, no. In the winter tests, it was clear that we would be quite strong, although to be totally honest none of us expected five wins in a row. Perhaps that has surprised us a little.
What does it take to be the 125 world champion?
Obviously you need the right rider and I think that we have one. And the rider needs the right team and the right people and partners around him. Also you obviously need a little luck and, finally, good feelings on the bike. At the moment, I am happy to say that I think we have all of that.
Do you think he is ready to be champion?
I think it's too early to talk about that. Of course, there is a chance, but together, with the team, we have to do it well with Marc in all the races to come. He has a strong mentality, but in the end, the only honourable response is that we have to wait and see what happens.
We know Marc the rider. What would you say about him as a person?
I admire the fact that Marc can still be a normal boy in a normal family. I think that this is possibly one of the important qualities that make him so strong at the moment. I also like to go out with him in some of the little free time we have and I'm very pleased to say that we are quite good friends.
Where do you see Marc Márquez in five years’ time?
Marc is one of the biggest talents in the world, but racing has its risks and you also need luck. I think that he has a bright future ahead, especially with the right people around him.
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