Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global
Special feature

Top 20 moments of 2013, #12: Marc Marquez, the rookie champion

Our number 12 top moment of 2013 is Marc Marquez's 2013 MotoGP championship, he became only the second rookie champion, and the youngest ever.

2013 champion Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team

2013 champion Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team

Repsol Media

Being a rookie in any sort of racing is often a tough task, but 20 year-old Marc Marquez didn’t let that phase him as he claimed the 2013 MotoGP World Championship in commanding style.

Marquez got a quick start to his successful season in the very first round at Qatar. He nabbed a third place finish after battling with his idol Valentino Rossi on his Honda.

It only took two races for the young Spaniard to win, as he took the checkered flag at Circuit of the America’s, beating his teammate Dani Pedrosa for the win, and setting a new record for the youngest winner at 20 years, 2 months and 5 days old.

Not only did the rookie win the series championship this year, he dominated, winning six grand prix on the 18-event schedule.

Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team

Photo by: Repsol Media

One third of the races run in 2013 were won by the young phenom, but it’s the podium statistic that really shows his dominance.

In those 18 starts, Marquez finished on the podium 16 times. He failed to finish one race, and was disqualified from Australia after making a mistake, failing to pit within the safe limit on wearing tires.

Records speak for Marquez’s successful season. He holds the record for being the youngest rider to take back to back poles in a season, youngest rider to take four poles in a row in a season, first rookie to win four races back to back, and is the second rookie to ever win the MotoGP title behind Kenny Roberts in 1978.

"This is a dream that comes true. I cannot explain what I feel,” said Marquez.

"I didn't expect to fight for the championship this season. Jorge Lorenzo did a great job but thanks to my team."

Next moment

Previous moment

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Marquez makes his mark in Valencia post-season test
Next article Yamaha unveils 2014 challenger in Jakarta

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Global