Marc Marquez stopped the best of an entire generation from realizing their dream in MotoGP while dominating the premier class, with Pol Espargaro recently saying his compatriot had made his life ‘hell’.
In fourteen years on the premier class grid, Marquez It has proved to be a thorn in the side of all riders whose ambition takes them to the MotoGP championship fight.
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Valentino Rossi, Dani Pedrosa And Andrea Dovizioso In the early years of his MotoGP career, it was a testament to how dominant the Spaniard was that they were all left frustrated that they couldn’t catch him in a season.
They are among them Paul EspargaroHis first win in the Moto2 category made him a seven-time premier class winner.
Pol Espargaro recalls ‘fantastic’ rivalry with Marc Marquez
Recently seen ZamTube podcast, the 35-year-old was asked a number of questions about his career in the premier class, including the toughest opponent he’s ever faced, as well as the opponent he’s most satisfied with beating.
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Of course, Marquez was the answer to both questions. Why, Espargaro said, “I was racing with him up to 125cc.
“We collided a little but we pushed each other hard. There was a little controversy in Moto 2. But it was great, believe me, it really was. At that time, it was hell for me because of the pressure; even the press in Spain made a big noise.
But looking back, I mean, it was cool. After MotoGP he started with the factory Honda team, I was with the Yamaha satellite team – the differences were huge. Those years were… wonderful.
Espargaro finished runner-up to Marquez in the 2012 Moto2 standings and won the world championship in 2013, giving the Cervera-born rider his first world title as a rookie in the premier class.
Unfortunately, the KTM test rider in 2010 He failed to replicate his MotoGP World Championship winning form in 2014, but still managed to display his impressive single-lap pace, taking three pole positions in the class.
As for why Marquez has always been the most satisfying rider to win against, Espargaro added: “The best thing is to race with those who fight so hard, sometimes you feel it’s impossible to win, but when you do, it’s great fun, incredible joy.”
Later I was lucky enough to ride with Valentino, Pedrosa, Lorenzo and so on; I raced with Casey, I rode with Stoner – it was absolutely brilliant, a dream.
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