MotoGP News
Date: 21/October/2011
Marc Marquez may be yet to start to a MotoGP race, but the 18-year-old's decision to delay a move to the premier-class until at least 2013 was the main talking point in the Sepang paddock on Thursday.
Marquez, the reigning 125cc world champion, has taken the Moto2 series by storm this year, mounting a magnificent comeback after non-scores in the first three rounds to briefly take the title lead.
The Spaniard will start Sunday's penultimate round just three points behind German Stefan Bradl, after keeping his championship chances alive by riding from last on the grid to third place in Australia.
But regardless of whether he takes the 600cc title at his first attempt, Marquez will stay on a Repsol-backed Suter in 2012, having opted against an early graduation to MotoGP with Honda.
Asked to comment on the decision, newly crowned double world champion Casey Stoner said it is possible to be successful in MotoGP without spending more than one year in the intermediate class.
"On paper I did two seasons in 250 [now Moto2], but one of those was my first season in grand prix," said Stoner. "After that I rode for two seasons in 125, then one season in 250, and then MotoGP.
"A lot of people say it was a mistake [to just do one year in 250/Moto2] but I don't think so. If you've achieved all you can achieve, then unless you want to win the championship, there is no reason why not to go up a class. That is their decision though and I'm sure he'll be joining us the year after anyway."
Other riders, including seven time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi, felt Marquez is doing the right thing - although partly for selfish reasons.
"I think he has made the right decision," said the Italian superstar. "If I am Marc I would do the same. First, because he is very young and has a lot of time. Second, it takes some pressure off this year, because if he is champion he is happy, but if not he can try again next year.
"Also it is so positive for us [in MotoGP] because it is one less Honda!"
Colin Edwards also had his own reasons for wanting Marquez to stay in Moto2.
"It's the best news I've heard all week, because I enjoy watching Marquez before I go out. If he's in the same race as me then I might not see him!" smiled Edwards.
"Watching him is like watching a Rocky movie or something. You get all pumped up seeing him come through the pack or whatever he does. He's definitely going to be a threat when he comes to MotoGP."
But Marquez is not without his critics, particularly for his aggressive all-out riding style, which contributed to a grid penalty in Australia, for smashing into another rider after practice had finished.
"I think he has a really good talent but he needs to arrive in MotoGP a bit calmer, because many riders start well but after a few crashes they go down," warned Andrea Dovizioso. "He will be a strong rider in the future but he needs to be careful about this."
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