Marc Marquez takes aim at those who say MotoGP is not a 'real sport'

Marquez has not just been one of the most successful Motorcycle racers of his generation, but also sportsmen as he enters year #10 in MotoGP. 

A six-time premier class champion, Marquez has also won various off-track awards such as the 2015 and 2020 Motor Racing Laureus Sportsmen of the Year, the 2014 Breakthrough Sportsmen of the Year and 2022 Comeback Sportsmen of the Year. 

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While it’s clear to many that motorcycle racing and MotoGP is one of the most demanding sports from both a physical and mental point of view, there have remained small circles challenging that thought pattern. 

However, Marquez has strongly dismissed the notion that competing in MotoGP takes anything other than a 'real athlete'. 

Asked whether he feels it’s something he still needs to prove to certain people despite his mass amount of experience and success, Marquez said: "I think already people realise this is a real sport. You only need to see the faces when we finish a race. 

"We are completely finished and yeah, all riders in MotoGP; if you want to be fast, to be consistent in a race then you need to be full fit. 

"This is the best way to win races and be consistent. If you just struggle at some points then you struggle a lot. But anyway, I think for me there is no doubt that this is a real sport. 

"You have to be a real athlete to have success in MotoGP."  

The Repsol Honda rider, who opened his 2022 campaign with a fifth place finish in Qatar, is expected to be in contention for an even better result during this weekend’s Mandalika Grand Prix given his impressive pace at last month's three-day test.

Marquez is also considered one of the favourites to win the world championship, which should he achieve it would put him level with former rival Valentino Rossi on seven MotoGP titles.