News 4 Sep 2013

Marquez doesn't give up like Stoner, says Lorenzo

Marc Marquez' grit and tenacity set him apart from any other modern MotoGP rider, even Aussie Casey Stoner, according to Jorge Lorenzo.

Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez were hard to separate in the closing stages of the British Grand Prix. Image: MotoGP.com.

Jorge Lorenzo and Marc Marquez were hard to separate in the closing stages of the British Grand Prix. Image: MotoGP.com.

Marc Marquez’ grit and tenacity set him apart from any other modern MotoGP rider, even Aussie Casey Stoner, according to Jorge Lorenzo.

The Repsol Honda and Yamaha Factory Racing combatants went head-to-head in another race-long, engaging battle at Silverstone, starkly illustrating the difference in the two riders’ riding styles.

The pair traded places on a number of occasions over the final three laps, exploiting the strengths of their machines at different parts of the challenging circuit.

Lorenzo emerged the victor by a narrow margin on this occasion, but recognised his title rival’s relentless drive and determination in the decisive stages of a grand prix.

“Dani [Pedrosa] is very smooth, so this has some benefits, but at this moment Marc is a more complete rider,” said Lorenzo. “He is more like Casey [Stoner].

“But the difference between Casey and him is that Marc never gives up, when Casey sometimes gives up. Marc never gives up and for this is even harder to beat no?

“Maybe Casey at Phillip Island is faster, or in some little moments [would be] faster than Marc, but Marc never gives up.”

Lorenzo recognised the need to break away from Marquez at Silverstone, and felt the rookie’s injury concerns could aid him to do so. But there was no separating the Spanish riders, who were locked together from the first to the final lap.

“I pushed from the beginning to try and open a gap, even more than in recent races but it was impossible,” added Lorenzo. “Marc never gives up, even if he’s a little bit injured after the warm-up.”

The Yamaha rider made up five points on his Honda rival in Britain, but still has 39 points to claw back if he is to successfully defend his 2012 world championship crown.

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