125cc – Marc Marquez talks about the 2009 season and expectations for 2010

In his second year in the World Championship, Marc Márquez once again let his enormous talent shine, which last year helped him become the youngest Spanish rider in history to stand on the World Championship podium. In 2009, Marquez was in the post-race spotlight thanks to some spectacular performances, but also, sadly, some equally spectacular crashes on his KTM 125 in Repsol colours. This was a second year of learning for the young Spanish rider, a year which confirmed his position among the fastest riders fighting for the World Championship.

After completing your second year in the 125cc World Championship, what are your feelings and how do you go on holiday?
“I think I had a good season. I made some mistakes that I shouldn't have made, but I did the best I could with what I had.”

It was clear from the first race that you could fight for the podium, but in the end you only achieved it in Jerez, did you expect better results?
“To be honest, yes, because personally I think I had a good level and we all thought that the bike would help us more. At the end of the season, KTM was closer to Aprilia and we were expecting a podium or two which I think we could have achieved.”

What have you learned this season?
“This year, above all, I learned to fight, because in almost all the 125 races there is always a lot of fighting. Furthermore, fighting against a bike that has few weak points, I had to learn to make the most of the revs to exit quickly and reach the next braking point to pass the other riders. Another important aspect is that Emilio Alzamora helped me with the management of the paperwork."

The best memory of the 2009 championship?
“The podium in Jerez, as in addition to being the best result of the season, it was the one with all the fans and what's more, on one of the legendary circuits on the calendar. I also have good memories of the pole position, especially the one in Malaysia, where we fought hard.”

And a moment from the 2009 season to forget?
“The falls that are not caused by one's own mistakes, but by the engine. They are falls that you don't expect and you are physically not prepared for. Luckily, I haven't had any injuries this year.”

The 125cc category is always open and competitive, with many riders who can win by fighting together, what does it take to fight?
“In addition to being a fast rider, obviously, you need a good bike and a good team to fine-tune the bike. In this category this translates into tenths of a second that make the difference. You have to be ambitious, you need someone to give good advice, and on the track, you have to be decisive and come out of fast corners to pick up speed.”

Over the last two years, we have seen you grow, not only as a rider, but also physically. Do you still have ballast?
“At circuits like Brno in the Czech Republic it is much easier to move the bike. Not only because of the lighter weight, but also because I now weigh more. I learned to move the bike more easily, with more force. All this helps, and little by little, I changed my riding style to get more traction and lift the front bike into corners.”

Last year, you shared the Repsol KTM team garage with Julian Simon, who returned to 125 this year and won the championship. How did you see it?
“He was the clear winner and he deserved it. He was very consistent and in many races he didn't leave all options open, he had a very fast pace from day one. We must congratulate him. He had to win and he did, proving that he is an exceptional driver and that he will continue well into the future."

What race did you like most?
“Donington Park, with the dry track, fighting for the podium and it was a good race. Jerez, a lot. In the races where there was a battle and I was in direct conflict, these races are the ones I liked the most.”

Who are the drivers to beat for next season?
“There will probably be a lot of riders, like this year, although the most consistent riders have the best options in the end. We'll have to wait and see what happens in the pre-season phase. In principle, it will be Bradley Smith, Nico Terol and Pol Espargaro and I'm sure there will also be two other riders. We will try to be in the fight with them.”

Who is the smartest and most dangerous, in closely contested races?
“At the end of a race, all rivals are dangerous. Smith is very difficult to stop if he gets into a good rhythm from the start and Espargaro and Terol are difficult to beat. ”

KTM has officially retired, what do you expect from your first outing with the Aprilia? What can you say about this bike from what you've seen from your rivals on the track?
“I hope to adapt as quickly as possible. From what Julian [Simon] told me, it will be easier for me, coming from KTM, because the chassis is similar, but I will have to try it. The engine is more consistent and that has been the biggest difference on the track, because it has always worked well, so we will have to do a lot of testing and do a good job to fully understand the bike and get a good starting point for next season.”

What does Marc Márquez need to improve to have a chance of winning races and fighting for the title?
“I think my weak point is consistency. It's important to finish the races, because that's where you gain experience and allows you to win and opt for the title."

How do you plan to approach next season?
“I think I can have a good year, and even though I don't know the new bike and I don't know how I will adapt to it, I would like to start the season determined to fight for the podium and be on the front row. But first of all, we need to focus on a good pre-season, adapting well, this will allow us to move forward and have a good year.”

What are Marc Márquez's plans between now and the start of the 2010 World Championship?
“Now, I'm going to take a holiday and then I'll start working on the physical aspect and train with a motocross bike to be in top shape when the tests start. I also have to study, as this is the time of year when I can study most regularly. I can also spend more time with my family and friends.”