Red Bull Motorsports
MotoGP
Why Marc Márquez is the complete motorcycle racer
The multiple MotoGP world champion has been lauded by his rivals, fans and legends of the sport as one of the best ever. We’ve pinpointed the areas that make Marc Márquez the all-round racer.
Six world championship titles (four in MotoGP, one each in Moto2 and 125cc), 61 career GP wins and counting, and still only 25 years old, Marc Márquez has been widely branded as the outstanding talent of his generation.
What makes the Spaniard so good though? What are the elements that combine in such harmony to strike the almost perfect balance? It’s an equilibrium that that can see him almost crash in one corner, but take victory just a lap or two later while seemingly defying the laws of physics and gravity.
Many have marvelled at Márquez’s sublime skills and incredible feats on the bike, so here are five key areas that he’s nailed to make him the complete motorcycle racer…
First, get to know a bit about the man in question:
2 min
Get to know Marc Márquez
Marc Márquez promises more success during the 2018 season and he's got the skills to deliver.
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1. Riding style
Rough and ready it is, with a braking style that often sees the rear wheel of Márquez’s Honda RC213V hopping all over the place as he frontloads into a corner, but it works.
Perhaps one of the most critical – and important – aspects of Márquez’s riding style is the way it's evolved. A precocious young talent, Márquez’s style has developed and adapted at such a rate that he managed to tame a Honda in 2017 that many saw as an overly-aggressive motorcycle with an engine that was too hot to handle. He did though, and won the title on it.
Márquez’s physical, shifting riding style that keeps him so agile on the bike, combined with a low centre of gravity which incorporates his famous 'elbow down' method, means he can keep on top of the bucking Honda’s excitable tendencies.
Take a look at his 'elbow down' technique in this short clip:
2. Reactions
Márquez is fast and reactive, as well as proactive. He knows the Honda RC213V intimately, having now been on it for five seasons, so is able to pre-empt the vast majority of its behaviours across a range of conditions and situations.
When the bike steps out of line or throws him a curveball, Márquez has the skill and speed to react in time, most of the time. His passion and dedication to riding motocross and flat-track have also helped to sharpen those impressive motor-neuron proficiencies.
Marc Márquez at the MotoGP test in Thailand
© Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool
3. Fitness
It’s no secret that MotoGP riders are incredibly fit, with supreme cardiovascular fitness and highly impressive core and muscular strength, all while staying lightweight.
Márquez has a varied and complex training regime that's tailored specifically to his physique and the unforgiving demands of MotoGP.
A focus on core body strength and flexibility allows Márquez to be in awe-inspiring shape and ready for the challenge, as he handles the punishing demands of wrestling a 260bhp-plus, 160kg motorcycle that pushes G-forces of over 1.4 through the body and hits speeds of up to 350kph.
Find out more about Márquez's fitness regime in the video below:
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4. Concentration
Racing for 45 minutes at high speed, in extreme temperatures and weather conditions, and with the body under immense physical and mental stress requires next-level concentration.
Márquez has honed his mind to be able to focus and not lapse for a split-second, which is all it takes to lose a position or, worse, end up on the floor. Visualisation techniques, mental training and nutrition all help Márquez’s mind remain in tune with his body and surroundings.
5. Desire
Despite having achieved all that he has at such a young age, Márquez’s motivation to improve, do better, and do more never wanes.
His willingness and ability to change his riding style to suit the Honda, and take a title at the same time, show that his determination knows no limits, and as a rider who’s won so many MotoGP races he will fight for sixth position in the same manner he does for a victory.
Coming back season after season with renewed energy and drive, and being able to make his dreams a reality, is what makes Márquez the champion he is.
