Repsol Honda riders place first and second at Brno and extend World Championship lead. Marquez becomes first man to win five races in rookie season.
Marc Marquez took a fantastic victory at the Czech Republic Grand Prix, after an intense battle between the top three riders in the World Championship right through to the final lap. The MotoGP rookie continues to break records, and today became the first rider to win five races in his debut season –four of which he has taken at consecutive rounds, in a feat not seen since 2008. Three tenths of a second behind him, Dani Pedrosa came home second to complete a fourth one-two for Repsol Honda in the 2013 season. Marquez remains leader of the World Championship standings with 213 points, with Pedrosa on 187.
More than 142,000 fans were in attendance at Brno for a tremendous MotoGP race. Right from the start, the top three in the series standings were out in front, with Jorge Lorenzo taking the early initiative, Marquez nipping at his heels and Pedrosa just centimetres behind. Setting a ferocious pace, the trio were able to pull well ahead of their rivals until, with 7 laps remaining, Marquez made his first attempt to take the lead. He would have to try on two further occasions –on the final corner and three laps later on– in order to take the top spot definitively.
A little way back but still within reach, Pedrosa took an extra lap in overtaking the Yamaha rider, leaving his teammate half a second in front. He managed to cut two tenths off Marquez’ advantage, but it was not enough and he crossed the line just behind the series leader. Marquez’ lead is now 26 points over Pedrosa, with Lorenzo 44 points behind the spectacular rookie. MotoGP action continues next weekend at Silverstone, with the British Grand Prix.
Dani Pedrosa >> Audio
2nd at 0.313 sec.
“I am very happy with the result, generally speaking, because after all the problems with my injury and the doubts we’ve had at the last few races, we took a big step forward with my mental preparation today. We were more ready to win here, despite not being 100%. Unfortunately, our strategy was not the best. I had problems overtaking throughout the race, because I couldn’t brake late and was always the third rider in the trio at the front. I think that I made my final attack one lap too late. If I had passed Jorge one lap earlier, maybe I would have been in with a chance of the victory. In any case, we had the right attitude of attacking until the end and gaining ground on Marc. I just needed another lap in order to catch him! We will try again next time. I want to thank the team for the great job that they did this weekend.”
Marc Marquez >> Audio
1st – 42:50.729
“I’m so happy! Before we came here I didn’t expected win, because Jorge and Valentino had both tested at Brno recently and Dani is always so fast here and won the race last year. It is a completely different track to those at which we have raced before, and these 25 points feel different to Indianapolis! This was a very hard fought win and I enjoyed myself a lot. The battle with Jorge was really good and we are pleased with the victory. Thanks to all the team!”
