Marquez Clinches 2014 MotoGP Title at Motegi | Interview

Marquez Clinches 2014 MotoGP Title at Motegi | Interview

Marc Marquez Clinches 2014 MotoGP Title Interview

By winning 11 races in 15 rounds so far in 2014 MotoGP, Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez has clinched a second-straight premier-class title. At 21-years old, Marquez is now the youngest rider and only Spaniard to ever win two-consecutive premier-class titles.

He secured the 2014 MotoGP title Sunday at Twin Ring Motegi – Honda’s home circuit – after finishing second behind Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Jorge Lorenzo and ahead of Lorenzo’s teammate Valentino Rossi.

This was his fourth World Championship title in five years of racing, and there are still two huge records Marquez can garner. With one more win from the three rounds remaining, Marquez could equal Mick Doohan’s record of 12 wins in a single season. And if he adds another pole to the 11 he already claimed, the RC213V pilot could equal the most poles in a single season, a record held by Doohan and Casey Stoner.

Following Motegi MotoGP, Marquez had much to discuss. Here is an official post-Motegi interview with Marquez courtesy of Honda.

Q. Is winning a World Championship more difficult than taking 10 wins in a row?

Marc Marquez says “The truth is that the mistakes over these last few races have made me appreciate more having won the World Championship, because the first part of the season was very good, but it seemed as if the title didn’t want to come.

“I made some mistakes, perhaps caused by an excess of confidence knowing that I had a significant advantage. Those early victories allowed me the luxury of taking risks a little more than usual. But I was very clear that I wanted to win the title here, at the home of Honda, and that is also very nice.”

Q. You’ve won four World Championships in five years. Do you get the impression that your life is going really fast?

Marc Marquez says “I think I don’t realize it. Most importantly I’m enjoying the moment right now, because you never know what will happen tomorrow. We have won the title and we have to celebrate this, as we do with every victory. It’s very nice to share this joy with the team.”

Q. What stands out about each of the titles you have won in your career?

Marc Marquez says “Obviously each title is special –each one has its moments. The 125cc title was the first and this is always very exciting. Also it was more difficult because I had to win it at the last race.

“The Moto2 title was satisfying and also had that bit of anger with it, after what had happened the previous year –five-months out injured. The first year in MotoGP was a big surprise. And this latest title is to thank Honda, who let me bring all my people –my team– back together and made for a great atmosphere in the garage. You try to improve in all aspects, but it is true that I have adapted much better to the bike-rider package”

Q. What have you improved from last year?

Marc Marquez says “You try to improve in all aspects, but it is true that I have adapted much better to the bike-rider package. We have developed a chassis more focused on our riding style and that has helped me to concentrate more on improving as a rider, and not so much on making the bike itself better.”

Q. How will you face the remaining races of the season?

Marc Marquez says: “With the mindset of enjoying myself. I know there is a runner-up spot at stake and the other riders will be giving their all, but I will focus on doing my best and enjoying every race.”

Q. How are you going to find the motivation to retain the title next season?

Marc Marquez says “You find motivation everywhere, especially after doing well one year. You try to keep the same form and progress and the team also push you.”

Q. Will Alex win the World Championship in Moto3?

Marc Marquez says “That is the intention! I will help him and give him all the encouragement possible. Above all we must take all the pressure we can off him, because leading the series means a lot of pressure. It will be important to make him calm, so that he can handle it well, but I know from experience that the season is very long and in three races anything can happen.”

Q. What are your plans for winter break?

Marc Marquez says “I have not thought about it yet! I did not want to waste my time on other things; I just wanted to focus on the championship.”

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