Australia’s greatest international motorcycle exponent says the sensational rise of Spaniard Marc Marquez has been a boon for the sport.
Marquez is on the cusp of becoming the first rookie in 35 years to win the MotoGP World Championship at the Tissot Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island this weekend.
The 20-year-old goes into the weekend with a 43-point lead in the championship after maintaining his blistering form through the season.
“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 on the Australian GP’s Keeping Track podcast.
“I don’t think anyone would have picked how strong he’s been, but I think it’s been fantastic for the sport.”
Honda man Marquez has done a remarkable job claiming 14 podium finishes in 15 races and winning at his second MotoGP start at the Circuit of the Americas track in Texas.
Marquez has ruffled some feathers along the way including that of his team-mate and fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa at Aragon last month.
“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.”
