We look at how MotoGP 125cc rider Marc Márquez developed a winning streak in 2010 that made his charge to glory seem almost unstoppable.
The journey
Marc began his 125cc career less than three years ago in April 2008 with KTM, and in the eighth race of his debut season, he achieved his first podium (third place) at Donington Park. He was the youngest rider ever to achieve a podium, and he added youngest ever polesitter in 2009 in France. Believe it or not, his first win only came in June this year, but then he smashed more records with five consecutive wins. A brief dip in form saw him drop to third in the championship, but then another four wins from five GPs meant he held a 17-point lead with two races remaining.
The big event
In a rain-affected race ar Estoril, Portugal, Márquez was running second to Nico Terol when the race was red-flagged. At the restart, he fell, crashing the bike and meaning he had to start from the back of the grid after the bike was hastily patched up. Incredibly, he recovered to win! Fourth place in Valencia sealed the championship at the season-closer.
Best quotes of the year
“I didn’t care if I hurt myself – all I cared about was that nothing really bad had happened to the bike”
Marc blogs about the moment it all went horribly wrong on the Portugal restart warm-up lap.
“I had the pace to fight for victory, as in other races this season, but it was clear that it is much more important to win a championship.”
Despite being sorely tempted to break the record for number of wins, Marc saw sense in Valencia with a victorious outcome.
Top images 
GEPA Pictures/Gold & Goose
Marc can barely believe it as he celebrates his famous Estoril victory.
GEPA Pictures/Gold & Goose
Speaks for itself. Marc signs of in 125s in the best possible way in Valencia.
What’s next in 2011?
Unsurprisingly, Marc decided to make the step up to the next level, Moto2, for 2011. The difference from his trusty two-stroke 125cc Ajo Motorsport Derbi making way for a Honda-powered four-stroke Suter with 600cc will perhaps be a challenge for a rider so dominant in 125s this year, but early tests in Andalucia in November were encouraging.
Want more?
- Video of Márquez highlights of the year
- Toby Moody's Inside Line from Estoril
- Read Marc's blog unveiling his new Moto2 project
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