This weekend at the Gran Premio Michelin® de Aragon, reigning World Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) is set to compete in his 200th Grand Prix.
A 15-year-old Marquez made his 125cc debut in 2008 at the Portuguese GP, before scoring his first World Championship points at just his second race in China. A maiden podium came his way at Donington Park later in his first season, but his first win would have to wait until 2010 and the Italian Grand Prix. Nine more wins that year gave Marquez first World title and from there, the Spaniard has never looked back.
The number 93 is into his 12th season competing in the Grand Prix paddock and the only time he’s finished outside of the top three in the Championship is in those first two 125cc seasons. Seven - more than likely soon to be eight - titles later and Marquez is one of the greatest motorcycle racers we have ever seen – and he’s still just 26-years-old.
His 77th Grand Prix win came last time out at Misano as Marquez surpassed MotoGP™ Legend Hailwood’s record, with just three men now sitting ahead of him in terms of victories: Giacomo Agostini (122), Valentino Rossi (115) and Angel Nieto (90).
“After a fantastic win in Misano I am excited to race again, especially in Aragon where I really feel like I am at home as it is so close to Cervera,” said Marquez, looking ahead to the weekend. “It’s where the most people from my hometown come to watch and always the fans help to give me something extra. We have a good lead in the championship but it doesn’t change how we approach the weekend, we keep pushing and trying to achieve our maximum. Let’s see what happens in Aragon!”
Will the Championship leader continue to assert his dominance on the 2019 season and celebrate his 200th GP by winning in Aragon? That’s exactly what he’s done for the past three seasons…