3rd on the podium at very best. Different bike, not the same rider. edit, the competition has also come a long way.
If there's a track that has his name on it it's COTA, he could win or he could crash again... and that is the problem, there's no inbetween for Marquez. I suspect the pressure is on for him to return partly his own pressure, it's COTA and he believes he can win even though he isn't the Marc of old and the bike certainly isn't the bike he's dominated on previously. But there's also pressure from the fans, they want to see the meteoric return of the king of COTA, HRC and Dorna will be pushing, let's not forget just how big a market the US is for bikes and videopass, Merch etc etc. If by some chance he wins I'm actually slightly worried for him, he'll believe he's back at his best and can dominate again, but COTA is THE track you know he could probably win at with one hand tied behind his back. I'd like to see him top 5, podium at best just to hopefully make him realise he's still fast (clearly) but he isn't the fastest guy out there and has to be smarter now and not take as many risks, I hope that makes sense.
My money is on Rins, purely because the Honda doesnt suit Marc at this time. Or Alex could do it again now the monkey is off his back. I'd prefer Jorge M to win though as I tend to favour him at the moment.
If Rins can train himself to take whatever points are on offer and not fall off he has a very good chance. His last two seasons were just too exciting for too few points, for a factory rider.
It amused me that there is still a Valentino Rossi stand at the Rio Hondo track and it was full of VR46 flag waving enthusiasts Andy
Without reading through the whole chat, MM will only retire when either medically forced too or once he and his "mentors", Honda have beaten Rossi's records. Sadly, Honda is the driving force behind this as they still hold a huge grudge against Rossi after he left them. Even worse, they are effectively, purposely(perhaps) willing to risk the life and health of one of arguably, the best riders this planet has ever seen.
Awful lot of assumptions here fella. I can’t agree that it will be Hondas decision, Marquez is way too big a character to have to be told when he races and when he doesn’t. If he fancies it he’ll race.
Marc will make up his own mind. Others with an interest in his career will make inducements for sure, but Marc isn't anybodys fool and will not be told by Honda Cota or anyone else what to do.
With Rossi leaving this year, MotoGP just wouldnt be the same with out the yardstick that is MM There have only been 4 great riders so far in motogp since 2000 (As in those who had the talent to win multiple championships, raw speed or robotic consistency ETC) - Rossi, Stoner, Lorenzo and Marquez and only one of them currently riding around (When he doesnt take a long way round into the scenery) None of the other riders are really multiple world championship talents. Dont get me wrong, not saying they aren't all great and really talented riders, but I am talking about the difference between a great rider and a great champion and to me, none of the current field are a match?
I disagree, there are a number of multiple world champion porntials on their way. Jorge Martin, Pedro Acosta and Fabio is still there too. Etc etc
Hope your right bootsam and happy to be proven wrong, motogp needs a few contenders to come froward now more than ever
Gotta be honest, I don’t see the sort of talent that you mention above in the current field either. Marquez & Rossi we’re elevated above their sport imo, a benchmark of excellence & consistency that you just don’t see in Fabio, Martin, Rins, Mir etc.
