Marc Marquez is poised to make history in Valencia this weekend, heading to the Ricardo Tormo circuit with a chance to become the first rookie premier class World Champion in 35 years. He is suffering less pain in his neck, having crashed heavily in the Sunday morning practice for the Japanese Grand Prix a few weeks ago.
Since finishing second at Motegi, Marquez has been undergoing treatment in order to be in the best possible physical condition for the Valencia title-decider.
“It’s been nice to have a week at home after a long three weeks away,” says the Repsol Honda Team rider. “After my accident at Motegi, I’ve been doing muscular rehabilitation on my neck in anticipation for the race and it now feels much better.”
Last year in Valencia, Marquez won the Moto2™ race from the back of the grid.
“We’ve had good races in Valencia,” continues the 20-year-old from Cervera, Catalunya. “I’ve always tried to give it my best there. I have fond memories of last year’s race in Moto2™, but the weather will also be a factor to consider because it is very changeable. I’m already looking forward to getting back in the garage and getting on the bike!
“Obviously, we know what is at stake in this final Grand Prix of the year, but we will – as ever – approach it as we have done every other race, working hard from the Friday and doing our best.”
Marquez carries an advantage of 13 points over Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo, with a maximum of 25 still on offer. This means fourth place in Sunday’s race would guarantee the title for Marquez, regardless of Lorenzo’s position. In the process, the Honda rider would also become the youngest ever premier class World Champion, taking the mantle away from Freddie Spencer.
Jorge Lorenzo heads into this weekend’s MotoGP finale in Valencia with a chance of becoming the tenth rider to claim three premier class world titles. The Yamaha Factory Racing man will be up against Repsol Honda Team’s Marc Marquez.
Lorenzo heads to the Ricardo Tormo circuit with a 13-point deficit to make up and history shows that only twice before has a rider come from behind to grab the title in a final-race shootout, with that having last happened when Nicky Hayden won the championship in Valencia seven years ago. Should Lorenzo be able to clinch his third title, he would also successfully defend a premier class crown for the first time.
“So we come to the last race in Valencia,” the World Champion of 2010 and 2012 says on Wednesday. “It’s going to be exciting, maybe the most exciting of all the season. We are still in the fight and that is the most important thing right now. I’m very stimulated because three races ago we thought the championship was over. Instead, we have a chance to fight for the title. Valencia is my home race and it will be very emotional considering our position in the championship.”
Knowing he has caught up to Marquez by 30 points across the last two races, Lorenzo now strives to regain the championship lead for what would be the first time since Qatar at the very start of the campaign on the first weekend of April.
