FEATURE
P76
MOTOGP: THE YOUNGEST EVER WINNERS
Likewise Casey Stoner, at a
disadvantage by comparison in
his first 500cc season – on a satellite bike, and scratching for the
best tires.
Some have done better than
Marquez, winning their first-ev-
er race. Step forward Max Biaggi (Japan in 1998). And Kevin
Schwantz, also at Suzuka, in
1988 - though he'd had a couple
of earlier 500cc wild card outings.
By and large, winning young
means a big future, if not necessarily a title at the first attempt.
That honor is reserved for the
very few: Kenny Roberts was
the most recent, but King Kenny
was already a seasoned two-time
AMA Champion - no youthful
has a
and he's racer – not afraid
" He obviouslycurrentlot of talent,of bikes –athe electronics and to
fight. With the
generation
the
tires – he's made the step from Moto2. It's probably easier to ride
than a 600. When you're racing against your heroes, guys you've
always looked up to, you want to show them that you're worthy. But
normally rookies tend to make mistakes as the season get on. He's
racing against people who are as talented as he is now.
Freddie Spencer (3) held the
record as the youngest winner
until Marquez came along.
Randy Mamola (6) won his
first 500cc Grand Prix while
under the age of 21.
"
-Wayne Rainey
