Marc Marquez has confirmed he will stay in Moto2 for another season, ending lengthy speculation that he would make the step up to MotoGP in 2012. The talented Spaniard has been exceptional in his rookie year in the intermediate class, winning seven races and he arrives in Malaysia just three points behind Stefan Bradl with two races to go.
This led to rumours that he might join a satellite Honda squad in MotoGP or move up with his Monlau Competicion team and factory support but the 18 year old feels he needs another year in Moto2 to be ready.
“I’m happy with the decision, this is my first year in Moto2, we worked very hard and now my level is better than we expected at the beginning of the season”, he told MotoGP.com. “We have two-year contract to race in Moto2, and for that reason I had no pressure at the beginning of the season. After my riding progressed to a level more than we expected, I have been improving step by step, and now at the end of the season it was time to look at all the possibilities and study what we had, and I think the best option is to stay one more year Moto2, because in every race I learn something new. It was a difficult decision, but I think I made the right choice.”
Although his ambition is to ride at the highest level, Marquez doesn't regret the decision and believes it will mean he's a stronger rider when he arrives in the premier class.
“I’m not disappointed to stay one more year, I'm only 18 and I’ve only been a year in Moto2 and I think remaining in the category for two years is fine. All or almost all of the riders stay two years, and I think another year will be good for me because I’ll get more experience, and certainly when it comes to MotoGP, if I get there someday, I'll be much more prepared.”