Marc Marquez says managing pressure and uncertainty is the key difference between a fast rider and a MotoGP champion.
The reigning world champion made the comment during an Estrella Galicia 0,0 event, where fellow grand prix riders Diogo Moreira and Jose Antonio Rueda had the chance to question the eight-time world champion.
MotoGP rookie Moreira asked Marquez what separates a quick rider from one capable of fighting for the title.
“All the riders on the grid are fast – I’ll include you as well!” Marc Marquez joked.
“We all know how to ride a bike, from Moto3 to MotoGP. But then there’s managing the moments of pressure, the moments of uncertainty, tyre management…
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“It’s not just about being fast; it’s about handling the different situations that come your way during a 22-race season. That’s where the difference between a champion and a fast rider is made.
“In testing, everyone is fast. Then, on a race weekend, it’s a bit more difficult.”
Moreira, Marquez, Rueda, Estrella event
Moreira scored his first MotoGP points at the Thai season opener, finishing in 13th for Honda LCR.
He also asked Marquez about coping with the demands of a modern MotoGP season, which now features 22 rounds and Sprint races.
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“As you well know, the championship is very demanding now: 22 races, and you youngsters coming in pushing hard,” Marquez said.
“We always try to experience it in the best possible way, but it’s intense.
“As you experienced yourself in Thailand, with the Sprint race, qualifying and the main race, it’s a very intense weekend.”
“Seeing yourself at the back of the grid hurts”
Meanwhile, reigning Moto3 champion Rueda, badly injured at last year’s Sepang round, asked for advice ahead of his rookie Moto2 campaign.
Marquez warned the young Spaniard to stay patient during the inevitable difficult weekends.
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“My advice is to keep working patiently. Don’t see everything as black, don’t get frustrated,” Marquez said.
“Especially because there will be weekends when you do well and then the next one comes and maybe you are 20th in Moto2.
“Seeing yourself at the back of the grid hurts. But it’s about patience, hard work and continuing to improve. You’ll see that you’ll move up, because you’ve got plenty of talent.”
Marquez saw his own patience tested during the Thai season opener, where he surrendered a Sprint victory due to a late penalty, then was dramatically forced out of the grand prix by rear wheel damage.
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