MotoGP: Marc Marquez – the last man standing in Austin!

The year 2012 will be remembered in MotoGP as the year when one of its brightest stars, arguably the best top-flight rider the world has ever seen, Casey Stoner, decided to lock away his leathers. The Australian accomplished all that he had in his youthful designs and for reasons the inner sanctum of his mind understood, he thought it prudent to access the exit door while he was ahead- way ahead – of all others in his class.

He did not win the title in 2012, the honors went to Yamaha’s mercenary, Jorge Lorenzo, but if a poll was used and the question asked – Who was the best  rider on the grid – I am certain all of the riders would have been united in their response – Casey Stoner!

Stoner

So no one was skipping and dancing, at least not publicly, when Stoner announced his retirement.Yes, I know there must have been riders who saw the glorious opportunity his absence would present. I can give two quick examples, his ride at Repsol Honda became available and the grip he held on positions P1 – P3 at each MotoGP round was released. But who would fill the gigantic shoes left by Casey Stoner?

There is a little saying – when one star has gone another is born – and in this case the saying is ringing true like all the bells at a JLP conference! When Stoner left the building through the side exit, Marc Marquez stepped in through the main entrance.

Marquez

Marc Marquez, if you do not know the name, I will not tell you about him here. Do the research! I will tell you this though – MotoGP has had 2 Rounds thus far and this is his rookie season. He featured prominently at the season opener, rattling the cage of the ‘Doctor’ repeatedly in the process. And what did he do at Round 2?

Round 2 brought the thunder to the Lone Star state – Texas. In Texas, everything they say, is big and the Circuit of the Americas, the venue which played host to Round 2, confirmed this. The riders had nothing but high praise for the track. But, they were all there to work and that they did. Marquez delivered his blows early in the process – he wrung the throttle mercilessly, only relenting when pole was secured!

For the inaugural Round, he blasted from P1 when the race began, but his teammate, Dani Pedrosa, upstaged him and took the lead. It was Repsol Honda all the way with the other heavy-hitters on the grid grappling,struggling even, to tame the raging bull at Austin Texas.

Marquez played follow the leader behind Pedrosa for much of the race and when he thought he had enough he went for the jugular with an unexpected move which surprised Pedrosa. Pedrosa with damaged pride and ego fought valiantly, but Marquez would not be denied. The commentators indicated that we were witnessing history, but, in my view, what we were actually watching was the face of the new guard of MotoGP.

After only 2 Rounds, Marquez climbed to P1! I am worried, I am concerned for the other riders on the grid! Marquez was the last man standing in Austin. We have an interesting season on our hands!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer