NewsBite

Master Marquez talks about his future, inspiration and Aussie Jack Miller

EXCLUSIVE: MotoGP five-time Marc Marquez reveals he has no plans to slow down — and also talks about his inspiration and what he really thinks of Aussie Jack Miller.

Determined: World champion Marc Marquez of the Repsol Honda team at the Silverstone circuit for the British MotoGP. Pic: Anne Kierren
Determined: World champion Marc Marquez of the Repsol Honda team at the Silverstone circuit for the British MotoGP. Pic: Anne Kierren

World MotoGP champion Marc Marquez is breaking records at almost every turn and, in a chilling warning to his rivals, has declared he will ride for as long as he can.

In an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun, Marquez said he had an unquenchable appetite to race.

“I think when I stop enjoying it, it will be a sign to maybe think about other things but for now I absolutely love riding.”

Live stream the 2019 MotoGP World Championship on KAYO SPORTS. Every practice, qualifying & race Live & On-Demand in HD. Get your 14 day free trial >

Leader of the pack. Honda’s world champion Marc Marquez leads the field in the Austrian MotoGP.
Leader of the pack. Honda’s world champion Marc Marquez leads the field in the Austrian MotoGP.

Marquez, at just 26, has five MotoGP titles under his belt and appears to be homing in on his sixth this year.

The fresh-faced Catalan is already considered to be among the sport’s elite including Giacamo Agostini, Mick Doohan and Valentino Rossi.

The bare numbers are impressive: seven world titles in total including one in 125cc and one in Moto2; 50 wins from 119 MotoGP starts; 59 MotoGP poles. The list goes on.

By comparison, the legendary Rossi, still competitive at 40, has nine world titles across all classes but he’s been racing since 1996.

Marquez (left) was beaten by Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso in an epic clash at the Austrian MotoGP in Spielberg on August 11.
Marquez (left) was beaten by Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso in an epic clash at the Austrian MotoGP in Spielberg on August 11.

One can only wonder what Marquez could end up with.

His drive to succeed comes from an innate desire to be the best.

And his family.

“My biggest inspiration comes from those around me, my family and my team.

“They always inspire me to work to the maximum to make them proud and thank them for what they have done for me.’’

Julia Marquez (right) poses with a fan at Silverstone, England. Pic: Anne Kierren.
Julia Marquez (right) poses with a fan at Silverstone, England. Pic: Anne Kierren.

Becoming something of a celebrity himself, his father Julia is at most races to watch not only Marc but his other son Alex, younger by three years, who is leading the Moto2 title race.

The duo became the first pair of brothers to win world championships in the same season.

And this year, they have both won races on the same day five times.

Alex Marquez after finishing second, just like his brother, in the Austrian Moto2 race.
Alex Marquez after finishing second, just like his brother, in the Austrian Moto2 race.

Records be damned.

Asked at Silverstone about his favourite moment of his career, Marquez chose winning the 2013 MotoGP championship in his rookie year. No one even thought that was possible.

But he could have picked any number of achievements, maybe including winning every year at the German circuit of Sachsenring for 10 straight years.

Marquez celebrates 10 straight victories at the Sachsenring Circuit in Germany on July 7.
Marquez celebrates 10 straight victories at the Sachsenring Circuit in Germany on July 7.

Although he shows no signs of slowing down — on the track or in his career, Marquez does dream about life after racing

“I would like to enjoy life a little bit, there are a lot of things you miss out when you have been racing from such a young age,’’ he said.

“See friends more, travel without the worry of a race and things like this.

“I would also like to be able to help other young riders like I already do with my Allianz Junior Motor Camp.’’

Marquez and Australian Jack Miller share a joke at Le Mans, France.
Marquez and Australian Jack Miller share a joke at Le Mans, France.

Marquez also shared this thoughts on Jack Miller and his Aussie larrikin streak.

“Jack is a funny guy, for sure! Anytime we are out of the track at an event or after the day we always have some good jokes.

“He is talented, you saw that when Honda helped him move up from Moto3 straight to MotoGP. It was a big step and hasn’t always been easy, but especially this year he is getting more and more consistent.

“Especially in the wet he’s very strong and always a rival I look at when it’s wet.’’

ian.royall@news.com.au

@IanRoyall

Originally published as Master Marquez talks about his future, inspiration and Aussie Jack Miller

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/motor-sport/master-marquez-talks-about-his-future-inspiration-and-aussie-jack-miller/news-story/8b77489aec9ac90dd2aff829604cec38