Crew for both riders describe Moto3 stars, based on hours of time spent together at work and when travelling.
During the Moto3 season, Alex Rins and Alex Marquez spend a lot of time with their crew at circuits, hotels and airports. That means that everyone knows each other very well, so who better to explain more about Rins and Marquez?
Rider and person
Rins > “He has a natural talent,” says Chief Mechanic Carlos Perez. His team also see him as a shy person, but only until he gains confidence with those around him. “In front of the cameras he might seem reserved, but he is much more open with us and is always joking,” assures Telemetrist Gonzalo Carrasco.
Marquez > His mechanics agree that he is a happy person. Javi Ortiz, in charge of logistics, says that “he transmits happiness. He always greets you with a smile.” Jordi Castellar, one of his mechanics, adds that “he is a brave person, because he has the pressure of having a famous brother. We shouldn’t forget that he is only 16. He never gives up. He always gets back on track and puts in the effort without being prompted.”
A special moment
Rins > Oriol Gatell, one of his mechanics since his time in the Spanish Championship, describes how Rins impressed from day one in the CEV. “We had a new project starting and he won the first race, ahead of Maverick Viñales and Miguel Oliveira. He was 14 and I remember that on the podium all three looked to be the same height, because he was the shortest and on the middle step.”
Marquez > Chief Mechanic, Xavi Palacin, joined forces with Marquez in the CEV, and the two have made a special journey together. “Winning the Spanish Championship was the best moment that I’ve had with him, followed by the Catalan GP last year when he was great as a wild card. He was up into second and fought for a podium finish right until the final corner.”
Something to improve
Rins > “As he has a lot of talent and everything happens by itself for him, last year he needed to be a bit more demanding,” says Edu Rubio, one of his mechanics. “But this season he has changed a lot, is more focused and hard working, and it seems that he knows better what he has to do at each race.”
Marquez > According to Guille Carrillo, one of his mechanics, Marquez still has room for improvement and one of the keys is “anticipating what might happen on the final laps and managing the end of races better. This is something that he will see himself in races. He has to have things happen to him to learn for the future.” Telemetrist Gerold Bucher adds that “in the last few races Alex has taken a giant step forward, he has more experience all the time and is more consistent.” Marquez has been on the podium at 4 of the last 5 races.
An anecdote
Rins > “Sometimes he is a little scatty,” says Javi Ortiz, who manages the logistics of the team. “For example, at Mugello he lost the key to our scooter and we all spent a long time looking for it. Then Alex realised that he had it all along.”
Marquez > Jordi Castellar remembers Marquez being excited at the end of a test at Mugello in June. “After testing all day, he got off the bike shouting ‘I’m awesome at the Arrabiatas! And I’m not tired!’ But later on he fell asleep straight away.”
