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Bridgestone moments: Marquez, Rookie World Champion in MotoGP

There is no doubt that history contains many magnificent motorcycling moments. Perhaps you are now spontaneously thinking of a specific moment. In our new blog series Bridgestone moments, we would like to take you on a trip down memory lane. Are you ready to relive a series of great stories that detail some of the most memorable moments in motorcycle history, in which Bridgestone played a significant role? Sit back, relax and enjoy these epic throwbacks.



After a world title in both 125cc and Moto2, expectations of what Marc Marquez could achieve in his first season in MotoGP were high. However, the young Spaniard from Cervera did not let this get to him. Quite the contrary… He grabbed his first MotoGP victory, handing Bridgestone another MotoGP championship. 

Marquez did not disappoint, as expectations were immediately met: already in his very first race in MotoGP, in Qatar, the rookie HRC and Bridgestone rider scored a podium finish. Impressive, although his second race was even better. The young Spaniard not only grabbed the pole in Austin, but also his very first MotoGP victory. Crowning him as the youngest rider ever to win a premier class GP, at the age of 20 years and 63 days. The previous record holder was a certain Freddie Spencer…

Record Rookie

After a second place at Jerez and a remarkable podium on a soaking wet track in France, Marquez lead the overall standings. Though the joy was short-lived: at the Italian GP, he crashed from second place with three laps to go. But the young rider didn’t let the bad luck get to him: at the next GP (Catalunya), Marquez cruised to third place. Assen was even better: Marquez crashed in Holland during FP3, breaking a toe and a finger. A blitz visit to hospital later, he still popped to second place during the race. The grinta of a true champion. After winning in Germany, he once again found himself at the top of the standings.

At Laguna Seca, the odds were clearly in the favor of the Spaniard. MM was the first rookie to win at the legendary track and… the youngest rider to win two back-to-back races in MotoGP since Freddie Spencer. And the streak continued: Marquez won in Indianapolis too, becoming the first rookie since Kenny Roberts to rake in three races in a row! And it kept getting better, as Marquez also raced to gold in Brno. This made him not only the youngest rider to achieve a four-race win streak, but also the first rider since Valentino Rossi to win four races in a row in the premier class. Record rookie.

Black flag

A silver plaque at Silverstone guaranteed a 50th podium finish, and got Marquez on the rails for a second place at Misano too. At Aragon, things seemed to go the wrong way for a moment when the two Honda teammates collided, but Marquez stayed on two wheels, set off in pursuit of leader Lorenzo and even managed to overtake him. A sixth victory? Check!

A few races later, at a soaking wet Motegi, Marquez had to settle for second, while his fated rival Lorenzo took the win. Just 13 points separated both men as they went into the season finale in Valencia. The title was up for grabs for both riders. But rookie Marquez immediately made it clear that nothing would come between him and the title: he pinged fastest times in FP1, FP2 and FP3, as well as grabbing his ninth pole of the season. A mature race on Sunday – with Marquez finishing third – was enough for a well-deserved first MotoGP world championship in his rookie season.

Hero.

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