Posted on 11th November 2013
Honda's 20 year-old Spanish sensation, Marquez, only had to finish in the top four to claim the title in his debut season and kept out of trouble to finish in third, to become the youngest ever rider to claim the top class crown.
It has been a sensational season for the man from Cervera, Catalonia, who recorded six wins throughout the 2013 season. He also had a chance to secure the title in Australia, but missed the opportunity when he was disqualified for not pitting within ten laps. To his credit he retained his consistent form and showed no signs of faltering in the final two races.
“This is a dream that comes true,” he told broadcasters. “I cannot explain what I feel. “I didn’t expect to fight for the championship this season. Jorge Lorenzo did a great job but thanks to my team.”
Defending champion Lorenzo had to win and hope that Marquez finished fifth or lower to retain his title. However, it was he and Dani Pedrosa who provided most of the drama in frantic first half of the race. The pair were inseparable for the first ten laps as fought tooth and nail for the lead, as Marquez kept a watching brief.
Alas the conflict came to a head with 21 laps left, Pedrosa had managed to get ahead after turn one but Lorenzo, forcefully, attempted to retake the lead. The Yamaha rider clattered into Pedrosa, sending the Honda man back down to fifth. Pedrosa would eventually fight back to second place.
Lorenzo's early tactics were to back the pack up and hope Marquez got swallowed up in the following riders. That tact didn't work and he settled for the race win.
“Marquez has been a deserving champion,†said Lorenzo. “Today is his day.”
Cal Crutchlow crashed out of his final race with the Tech 3 team. His fellow Brit and teammate, Bradley Smith ended the season with an excellent 7th place.
Results
1. Jorge Lorenzo
2. Dani Pedrosa
3. Marc Marquez
4. Valentino Rossi
5. Alvaro Bautista
6. Stefan Bradl
7. Bradley Smith
8. Nicky Hayden
9. Andrea Dovizioso
10. Michele Pirro
