Marc Marquez names the underrated MotoGP rider who taught him the most, ‘I tried to ride like him’

Add as preferred source on Google

Marc Marquez has had six different teammates during his MotoGP career. And not a single one of them has managed to finish above him in the championship.

Marquez partnered Dani Pedrosa for his first six seasons at Honda and won the title in five of them. When Pedrosa retired, his legendary compatriot Jorge Lorenzo took over, but the move was a short-lived disaster.

Honda agreed to sign Marquez’s younger brother for the 2020 season, but their partnership ended at the first race when Marc suffered a severe arm injury. Alex was demoted to LCR for 2021.

The following seasons were disrupted as Marquez underwent multiple surgeries. But he still managed to outscore Pol Espargaro (2021-22) and Joan Mir (2023).

After reuniting with Alex at Gresini following his bombshell Honda exit, Marquez took on two-time world champion Bagnaia in Ducati colours. And halfway through the season, he’s 147 points ahead.

Marc Marquez says he ‘learned the most’ from Dani Pedrosa

Speaking to DAZN, Marquez looked back on his early years alongside Pedrosa. His fellow Catalonian won three titles at 125cc and 250cc level, but never lifted the MotoGP trophy.

With 31 victories, Pedrosa is the most successful rider without a premier-class championship. In fact, everybody else above him in the list has taken multiple titles.

Marquez suggested that Pedrosa is somewhat underrated, with his physical profile an obstacle to success rather than his talent. He took inspiration from the 2006 debutant in developing his own riding style.

He also credits Lorenzo and his great adversary Valentino Rossi, who showed him how to become a complete rider.

“Dani Pedrosa taught me a lot,” he said. “He’s the one I learned the most from. Without two handicaps – height and strength – he would have won more than one MotoGP title. I tried to ride like him, but more aggressively.

“And then, in my own way, I learned to be as aggressive as Lorenzo and to manage the race like Rossi.”

Dani Pedrosa is clearly awestruck by Marc Marquez at Ducati

Fabio di Giannantonio compared Pedrosa to Roger Federer due to his ‘clean’ style. Marquez is, by his own admission, more gung-ho on the bike.

At times, that has upset his rivals. Pedrosa said Marquez needed to calm down after they clashed during his rookie season.

But there’s clearly a great deal of mutual admiration. After his epic performance in the German GP Sprint last weekend, Pedrosa thanked Marquez for putting on a show.

In addition to his punditry work on Spanish television, the 39-year-old remains part of KTM’s test roster. He’s not expected to make any wildcard appearances this year.