AN ecstatic Marc Marquez has become the youngest ever consecutive premiere class World Champion - but mainly wanted to thank his family and team for his achievement.
Marquez started the first international race in Japan fourth on the grid and was unable to make a good start, but it wasn’t long before the 21-year-old put the hammer down and made his way through to the leading pack.
After battling with Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi for second, Marquez came off better, but was unable to reach the leader Jorge Lorenzo.
Luckily, 20 points for second place was just enough to secure the Spaniard’s second premiere class championship win; his fourth world title.
Marquez said: “You know, the race doesn’t really matter today! Maybe I wasn’t riding like always, as I felt a little different.
“It was hard to overtake and I didn’t want a mistake. I had two mistakes in the last races but we got the title! It’s incredible to take it at home. Thanks to my family and Honda.”
The Repsol Honda rider added: “Just two years in MotoGP with two titles is incredible. Maybe for the people it looks easy because I’m always smiling, but there is a lot of pressure.
“Misano and Aragon we made some mistakes so it was important to focus here for Honda. I’m really happy with my team and family and fans, they’re all pushing me. It’s like a dream right now.”
There are currently three rounds left in the 2014 MotoGP Championship and the fight for second place is now on between Lorenzo, Rossi and Marquez’s team-mate Dani Pedrosa.
