Mick Doohan Became The Figure Who Made Marc Marquez Stick With Him

Repsol Honda racer, Marc Marquez. (Photo: Twitter/@HRC_MotoGP)

JAKARTA - Repsol Honda racer, Marc Marquez, has been impressive since returning from a long absence for injury recovery. In the last two MotoGP races, namely in Japan and Thailand, Marquez finished in the top five.

Even though many doubt it can be competitive again. In fact, some think the rider will immediately hang up his helmet due to his arm injury.

However, Mick Doohan's figure kept him strong and kept trying to get up. Marquez admitted that he regularly communicated with the MotoGP legend.

He was also inspired by the advice given by the holders of the five world titles. That's what made him continue to race.

"With Mick Doohan, we often spoke by telephone, especially before the fourth operation," Marquez said at a press conference session ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, quoted via Antara.

"I chatted a lot with him because I had doubts in my mind. But then he gave me one advice, because he was once in a similar situation with his feet."

"He said, 'Maybe you can't race the same way you used to, but we can race in different and competitive ways'. That's what I'm trying to do, step by step and in Thailand I feel that step," he continued.

Despite missing eight races, Marquez is still the top Honda rider in the standings with a collection of 84 points in 13th place, ahead of his younger brother Alex Marquez (50), Pol Espargaro (49), and Takaaki Nakagami (49).

He also still has a chance to finish in the top ten with three races remaining.

"The next races will be important, but (the most important time) is the next winter where I need to train well and improve everything I want to be competitive in 2023," said Marc Marquez.