Marc Marquez has downplayed any prospect of his participation in the Dakar Rally after finishing the race in MotoGP, despite being a huge fan of the legendary endurance event.
During the 2020 Dakar Rally, Marquez is an avid spectator watching the race in all categories. Repsol, title sponsor of the HRC MotoGP team, also supports its own Repsol rally team with the disabled driver Isidre Esteve using customized controls on the steering wheel of his BMW BV6.
On his latest Box Repsol blog, Marquez reveals his admiration for the Dakar Rally but admits that it is unlikely that he will ever attend the event.
“I like the Dakar from all motor sports because of the difficulties it presents,” wrote Marquez. “As you know, I am more than familiar with difficulties. All the different situations that can arise and the unforeseen events that come out of nowhere make it the toughest test and nice to see every year.
“Although for the time being I’m sure that I want to continue to compete in MotoGP, it is nothing more than a dream for the future that I could one day consider competing in a Dakar.
“It’s a very tough test that you have to be very well prepared for. Participating in a Dakar is not like racing on a Sunday, it requires a lot of preparation: physical, navigational and technical. To get there, you have to think carefully and plan everything. “
On the subject of matching items
While against the idea of competing in the Dakar Rally, it didn’t stop Marquez from hypothetically devising an attempt for the legendary event.
“If I were to ride a Dakar, I would probably do it on a motorcycle as they have always been my passion,” he said. “But if I were to do it in a rally car, I would love to take my brother Alex with me as a passenger. It would be fun to see how the two of us were together!
“Maybe I could even drive as a passenger as I usually have a good sense of direction. If I’m somewhere where I don’t know and don’t pay attention or speak, I end up having to use Google Maps, but not always! To be honest, I would have to practice a lot. The race in a Dakar requires a lot of preparation.
On the subject of matching items
“Right now I’m focusing on MotoGP, but in the future who knows?”
Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso is making his Dakar Rally debut this year, while a handful of Marquez MotoGP rivals have raced off the Grand Prix circuit.
In December Valentino Rossi, who had already contested numerous World Rally Championships, was on the overall podium and won his class at the 12 Hours of Golf together with his brother Luca Marini and his friend Alessio ‘Uccio’ Salucci. Last year, Andrea Dovizioso made his debut as a German touring car (DTM) at Misano as a special replacement driver for Audi WRT.
Marquez is currently recovering from shoulder surgery he underwent in late November. The reigning MotoGP world champion, who had a similar operation on his other shoulder 12 months ago, is expected to recover in time for the Sepang test (February 7-9).