MotoGP
Five-time MotoGP world champion Marc Márquez knows what it takes to be the best. Ahead of the 2019 season kick-off in Qatar, here are the 5 foundations he believes are key to success on two wheels.
With five MotoGP World Championships titles and a further two in the Moto2 and 125cc classes, 70 career GP victories and a host of records to his name, Marc Márquez is already one of the greatest MotoGP racers of all time. And he's not done yet.
Before the Spaniard kicks off his title defence at the the opening round of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship at Losail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar this weekend, here are what he believes are the five key foundations for real success on motorcycle racing's biggest stage, which he'll be hoping will take him to even more MotoGP glory this year. Read on to find out more.
1. Enjoy what you do
Racing has to be fun for Márquez. It can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders when everyone's expecting you to win everything, and Márquez's ridiculous ability and incredible track record in the world championship mean that he receives more than his fair share of pressure. However, it's his love for the sport that drives him. "I've always enjoyed riding a lot. Motorcycling has always been a lot of fun for me," he explains.
Márquez has been on two wheels from the tender age of four, and he spends much of his time away from the MotoGP track doing something motorbike-related, like shredding on a motocross bike.
2. Work hard
Sounds obvious, but Márquez takes it to the next level, and has a fundamental belief in hard graft that he's held since he first threw his leg over a motorcycle. It’s that dedicated approach which has helped him smash all manner of records on his way to the top.
I worked a lot, I trained a lot of days, weekends, years. Finally you understand that you can be professional, step-by-step you achieve your goals
Nothing comes easy, least of all a world championship title, but Márquez's dedication to his trade is impressive, and his training regime means there's little time left for much else. "I worked a lot, I trained a lot of days, weekends, years. Finally you understand that you can be professional, step-by-step you achieve your goals," he says.
3. Harness your natural talent
Turning natural talent into titles is never easy, but to make sure he's able to fully utilise his abilities come race day, Márquez is rarely off a bike. It's been that way since he since he could walk. His father, Julià, instilled the passion for competitive riding in his son at a very early age, and even now, as a world champion who rarely has a moment's peace off the bike, Márquez trains on all forms of two wheels, from dirt-track racing to cross-country mountain biking.
Márquez firmly believes cross-training like this is the best way to exploit all of his strengths, and translate them across to MotoGP. It certainly seems to work!
4. Surround yourself with good people
Having a trusted circle around you is essential in a sport that's unforgiving and highly competitive. Márquez has been able to count on the unconditional support of his family – including his Moto3 world champion brother, Àlex – and a trusted adviser in the shape of former 125cc World Champion Emilio Alzamora, who has helped with his career pathway to the very top.
5. Join a great team
To be the best, you have to work with the best, and Márquez’s elevated talent has been able to flourish thanks to some of the best teams in the business. He won his 125cc title with the prestigious Ajo Motorsports squad, and he then had a Moto2 team built around him by Emilio Alzamora when he moved up into the category in 2011. It's his long association with the storied Repsol Honda team that has delivered his most prestigious titles however.
Repsol Honda team is the leading MotoGP outfit, and Márquez joined the team in 2013, bringing his crew chief Santi Hernández with him from Moto2. The pair have worked together at Repsol Honda for six seasons now, winning five world titles and setting the record for the youngest-ever MotoGP world champion in the process.
I'm lucky, because now I have the best team and the best people with me, and this is very important
Márquez is in no doubt as to how important riding for Honda has been for his recent successes. "I'm lucky, because now I have the best team and the best people with me, and this is very important," he acknowleges.
Take a look at Márquez's 2019 Repsol Honda RC213V in the photogallery below:
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