MotoGP 2014: Marc Marquez makes it three wins in a row at Argentina
Ever since Marc Marquez burst onto the MotoGP scene in 2013, it seemed like he was on a record-equalling/record-breaking spree. And since becoming MotoGP's youngest ever world champion last year, Marquez has set about defending his championship rather nicely. After winning the first two races of the 2014 season, Marquez took Argentina by storm, qualifying in pole position at the Circuito Termas de Rio Hondo and then winning the race too. The fact that this is his third win of the first three races of the season see him equal a record Valentino Rossi set in 2001. And that fact that it is his third win of the first three races of the season from pole, see him equal Giacomo Agostini's record set way back in 1971. Marquez the Merciless, Magic Marc - call him what you will, the monikers are all highly deserved.
Three wins of the first three races for Marc Marquez
It was the first lap of the race that was crucial, though. Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo powered through into first place, with Andrea Iannone in second place, followed by Dani Pedrosa, Valentino Rossi, Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso. Rossi also found himself attacking for the race lead at the end of the first lap, however, all his hopes of getting on the podium were scuppered when Stefan Bradl ran him wide, resulting in Rossi dropping down to seventh place.
Up ahead, Lorenzo led the race for the first 17 laps. But with eight laps to go, Marquez muscled his way past Lorenzo with ease. After that, the second Repsol Honda started reeling in the Yamaha rider, and with a lap and a half remaining, Pedrosa made his way past into second place. Lorenzo had to settle for third on the grid. Finishing fourth was Rossi, none too pleased with the result, even declaring after the race that Bradl had cost him a podium. The errant Bradl finished fifth, with Iannone sixth. Bradley Smith, Pol Espargaro, Dovizioso and Hiroshi Aoyama rounded off the top 10.
Marquez leads the championship standings with 75 points, with Dani Pedrosa second with 56 points and Valentino Rossi third with 41 points.
Starts Rs 1,02,700
149cc
5-Speed
12.40
13.60
-NA-
