Marc Marquez saw a little of his younger self in Kimi Antonelli’s run to the Formula One world title, while Marco Bezzecchi said he could not wait to congratulate his fellow Italian in person.
The MotoGP riders paid tribute to Antonelli ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, where Marquez has his first chance to clinch this season’s title.
Antonelli sealed the F1 championship at the Mexican Grand Prix at the age of 20, making him younger than Marquez was when he won his first MotoGP title in 2013.
Marquez said he had already congratulated the Mercedes driver on Instagram and was impressed by how he had handled the pressure of a title fight.
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“He’s even younger than me when I achieved my first MotoGP world championship,” Marquez said.
The Ducati rider added being young had helped him feel less pressure in his own rookie season and suggested it might have worked in Antonelli’s favour too.
Meanwhile, Bezzecchi said he wanted to thank Antonelli and his family in person for what the title had meant to Italian motorsport fans.
“He deserves everything and even more,” the Aprilia rider said. “He’s a wonderful guy with a wonderful family.”
“His achievement has been one of the greatest of all time. I’m very happy for him.”
Marquez and Bezzecchi now turn their attention to the Qatar Grand Prix, with the former leading Jorge Martin by 44 points with three rounds remaining.
Fans can watch the MotoGP action live on SPOTV NOW.
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