New to MotoGP? Then you’ll be hearing a lot about Marc Marquez, the Spanish rider rightly regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats. He’s made such an impact that even non-MotoGP fans know his name. Nicknamed the Ant of Cervera due to his height and hometown, Marquez has been riding professionally since 2008 and continues to be a major force.
Let’s take a look at some of the key details fans need to know.
He’s Won a Lot of Titles
Marquez has earned his place among the list of all-time great MotoGP riders thanks to the sheer number of championships he has under his belt. As it stands, he’s won six MotoGP World Championships, as well as a Moto2 World Championship and a 125CC World Championship.
In other words: he has a proven track record of winning at every stage of his career.
His Best Days Aren’t Behind Him
Marc Marquez may have a boatload of MotoGP victories under his belt, but he remains as determined and motivated as ever. Take a look at motorsports odds this week — or, indeed, any week — and you’ll see Marquez’s name right at the top of the favourites list.
Marquez is on course to win yet another World Championship and there’s every chance that he one day goes on to become the modern era’s all-out record holder. That record is currently held by Valentino Rossi, who has seven premier-class championships to his name.
Marquez may also become the all-time, all-out record holder, but he’ll have his work cut out for him. That record is held by Giacomo Agostini, who amassed fifteen championships over a period of seventeen years. But hey, if anyone can do that, it’s Marquez.
His Career Nearly Came To An Abrupt End
The fact that Marquez is even in contention to become the all-time MotoGP record holder is impressive given what he’s had to endure. The Catalonian rider experienced a career-threatening injury back in 2020 when he came off his bike at the opening race of the season in his native Spain.
It would take four surgeries, including one in which his arm was intentionally rebroken and then put into its original position, before Marquez could even think about getting back on two wheels.
Marquez’s injury and subsequent loss of form ultimately resulted in his retirement. In the end, he decided to cancel his contract with Honda and switch to Ducati — and the rest, they say, is history.
His Brother Also Races
Marc’s younger brother, Alex Marquez, is also a MotoGP rider, proving that a talent for racing very much runs in the family. He races for BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP, a satellite team of his brother’s team, Ducati.
So far, Alex hasn’t quite hit the same heights, but there’s every chance that he will do so in the future — and that’s not our view, but the view of Marc Marquez himself, who said, ‘he’s able to win a world championship, in fact, he’s my main contender – or the main opponent – for the championship this year.’
He’s Known For His Aggressive Riding Style
There are two things that have made Marquez such a consistent winner: his determination to succeed, and his aggressive riding style. Put those together, and you have the perfect cocktail for success.
In his post-injury career, Marquez has slowed it down a little and is now slightly more cautious. However, the determination to succeed is still thoroughly present. As he says, ‘“If I see a wall I go through it. It’s as simple as that.’ It’s this attitude that has made Marquez a household name — and brought plenty of success his way.