Repsol rider seals second world title with podium at Australian Grand Prix.
Marc Márquez today clinched a second World Championship, this time in the Moto2 class. It came with third place in the Australian GP —a podium which mathematically ensured that he would become Moto2 titlist and add to his 2010 125cc honour. With 8 wins and a further 5 podiums from 16 races, Márquez has dominated in 2012 en route to becoming the youngest World Champion in the intermediate class.
Starting from the front row, Márquez had a fantastic start to take the holeshot. Surprised by Nakagami, he dropped into second for a couple of corners before retaking the lead. One lap later, Pol Espargaró got past him and Marc had a wobble, taken advantage of by his rival to pull ahead.
Overtaken by Redding on lap six, Márquez held back in third for practically the entire race. Motivated home rider Anthony West latched on and managed to overtake both of the two, as Márquez stuck in the slipstream for two laps and finally passed Redding on the last corner to take the podium finish.
With the title secured, Márquez will celebrate at the Valencia GP in two weeks time, signing off in the Moto2 class in front of his home fans.
Marc Márquez >> Audio
3rd at 16.837 sec.
“It’s an incredible feeling, a dream. When you cross the finish line it is a great moment, but it happens very fast. The best bit comes with the celebration with the team. It is very satisfying to win the title. At this time I remember the hard times this year, the injuries, the support of my family and team. I cannot help but get emotional. It was a very difficult title victory, because Pol [Espargaró] has not made it at all easy for me and deserves my congratulations for the great season he’s had. After the serious injury I suffered a year ago, which could taken me away from racing forever, the most important thing is that I was able to get back riding. This season the team formed a magnificent group. I have never felt so comfortable in a team before. We have full confidence in one another.”
