Doohan: Marquez a shining light

Five-time 500cc world champion Mick Doohan says the meteoric rise of Spanish sensation Marc Marquez has been “fantastic” for MotoGP ahead of this weekend’s 2013 Tissot Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island.

Twenty-year-old Marquez comes to Phillip Island with a 43-point championship lead with three races remaining, meaning he could seal the title in Australia and become the first rookie to win the championship since Kenny Roberts in 1978.

Speaking to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix ‘Keeping Track’ podcast, Doohan admits he’s been taken aback by the success Marquez has achieved in a rookie season that has featured 14 podium finishes in 15 races and a win in just his second MotoGP outing in Texas.

“I knew he was quick, but the way he’s come in and maintained the momentum from the start… having a few wins under his belt early really sent his confidence to the next level,” Doohan said.

“I don’t think anyone would have picked how strong he’s been, but I think it’s been fantastic for the sport.”

Marquez, who won the Moto2 title in Australia last year, has come under fire on several occasions this season for his combative approach, and clashed with Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa at Aragon in Spain in September in an incident that saw Pedrosa crash out soon after, all but ending his championship hopes.

Doohan feels Marquez’s aggression is acceptable as long as it remains measured.

“You need to have a controlled amount of aggression, and I don’t see that he’s out of control,” Doohan said.  “For me, it’s not an issue.”

Doohan also commented on the prospects of a MotoGP return for Stoner, who won the last six Australian Grands Prix of his career before retiring at the age of 27 last season. If Stoner chooses to come back, Doohan feels it needs to be sooner rather than later.

“He could be on a bike as early as next year if he wanted to be,” Doohan said.

“He still knows how to ride and he’s still young enough. He’s an immensely talented rider so anything’s possible – but if he was going to come back, 2015 is going to have to be the year.
Anything beyond that, it’s going to get more difficult.”

Keeping Track also spoke to rising Aussie Moto3 star Jack Miller about his big career move for 2014, while American Supercross rider Josh Hill previewed rounds four and five of the Australian Supercross Championship at this weekend’s Tissot Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

To listen/download the podcast, click here.