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.
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.
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."
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