MotoGP: Marquez has no respect for his elders!

Marc Marquez is a rookie! A rookie in the language used by the common man (Jamaican) means that you are ‘a prentice’ (not an apprentice) - one who is not yet highly skilled or accomplished in the related field of endeavour! A rookie status, indicates to others who you might happen to rub shoulders with, that you are the new guy and you have not yet acquired the social graces society dictates are important inorder to conduct oneself appropriately in a packed room. As such, you should be approached with ample caution, enough to accommodate corrective measures, if during your attempt at gaining expertise, rather than arrive at  Hotel Success, you disembark at Hotel Blunder, after you have bought a ticket to Accident Land!

But, these things must be explained in detail to newcomers. If the brainwashing process is not complete, you cannot hold the rookie responsible for his deviant, anti-status quo behaviour. It is my accurately held view that there were some shortcomings in the MotoGP orientation sessions that Marquez had as he prepared for his debut in the premiere class. Marquez entered the MotoGP class with all the ‘right’ credentials. He was the 2012 Moto2 Champion so his entry to the big stage was the only box not checked on his career –  To Do –  list.

Stoner

MotoGP is packed like a tin of sardines with megastars – Valentino ‘The Doctor’ Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo are two gigantic ambassadors of the sport. They are royalty and their achievements separate them from others who are trying desperately to make a name for themselves in what can only be described as a highly competitive arena which is  laden with fans who are more passionate than the steamy action seen in a daytime soap opera! So, despite his pedigree, one would expect Marquez to enter the stage with reservations, familiarize himself with the circuits first, afterwhich he would gently ease into his expected role of support to his teammate, Dani Pedrosa, who would want to fill the massive void the maestro, Stoner, left at Repsol Honda. Who was silly enough to think that?

If you watched Marquez last season as he wielded a brutal, heavy hammer in Moto2, you would have known that he has a merciless, victory-thirsty/hungry instinct, that yields to, fears and respects no one! Unfortunately for the heavy-hitters in MotoGP, Marquez brought his brand of justice to what was their town and he did not waste time to lay down the new rules.

At Round 1, he wrestled with arguably the biggest star of them all – Rossi and ‘the Doctor’ had to dig deep to upstage the rookie. But Marquez was not discouraged, instead, he was motivated. At the next stop – Austin, Texas, he came out like a genuine gunslinger from one of the classic Clint Eastwood Western flicks and he delivered the goods. Pole position wasn’t enough in Austin, Marquez rode to victory, forcing his teammate to eat a huge slice of humble-pie. Records fell like dominoes in the process!

At Round 3 – Jerez, Spain, the home crowd must have had a difficult time choosing a favourite rider. They were torn for obvious reasons and a corner at the track was even named after the 2012 World Champion – Spain’s very own – Jorge Lorenzo. But, Dani Pedrosa was tired of sitting in the shade, he wanted his share of the spotlight and at Jerez the sun decided to do him a favour and grant his wish. Dani shone with enviable brilliance, the livery from his Repsol Honda beautified the circuit as he romped to a well-deserved victory.

Where did Marquez factor in in all of the happenings at Jerez? Well my friends, Marquez decided to leave his executioner’s role for the final corner, of the final lap in Spain. Throughout the race he kept kicking at Lorenzo’s heels, almost colliding into the rear tire of the defending champion at different stages. But Marquez has a fire similar to the Olympic flame – it is not familiar with the term – extinguish.

At Jerez, it was Jorge’s turn to feel the rookie’s wrath. At a corner notorious for contact and incidents – corner 13 – Marquez glimpsed a window of opportunity as Jorge left some room. Marquez thankfully rode the Repsol Honda with hurried vigor into the tight spot. The resulting collision and his subsequent snatch and run of P2 is still being discussed (click below).

Jerez Highlights!

One thing is abundantly clear thus far – Marc Marquez has no respect for his elders and we are loving every minute of it! And guess what? Marquez now leads the MotoGP World Championship! The records continue to tumble!

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer