Marc Marquez dismisses Pedro Acosta comparison: 'I won in my first year'

Speaking at an Estrella Galicia event in Spain alongside Diogo Moreira and Jose Antonio Rueda, last year's Moto2 and Moto3 champions respectively, Marquez shared his views on the upcoming generation in MotoGP and the role he has played in inspiring them.

When asked about how it feels to be a role model to younger riders, Marc responded by saying that it was a mixed feeling for several reasons.

"Well, I'd say it's a source of pride, but also sadness . Because you see that the years go by for everyone, but well, they've passed well. Obviously, everything has happened, but the fact that you hear many of the riders now, when they arrive in MotoGP, say that you're their role model and mention your name is something special."

"Because before they talked about inspiration, 5 or 7 years ago, inspiration, the desire to learn. But now the younger generations come up with a role model; some choose Marc, others Pecco, others Alex, other riders, but it's true that the years go by and I'm very aware that sooner or later, sooner rather than later, one of these kids is going to come along and say to me, 'Let us see, it's our turn.' And that's the way of life, the way of sport."

He was later asked about how he views Pedro Acosta and whether there was any comparison between the KTM star and the younger Marc Marquez.

"The Marc Márquez of 2013 won his first year." was the concise response from the world champion.

Marquez also answered further questions around his ongoing contract saga and why he hasn't confirmed an extension yet.

"I asked Ducati for one thing that was clear. I want to start, I don't want to sign anything while I'm injured . I want to start, I want to be physically fit, because after an injury, a certain percentage of your fitness drops."

"I'm being asked a lot now, 'Is this 100%?' I don't know what my 100% is. After any injury, 100% drops. Sometimes it drops by 1%, sometimes by 20%. So, that's where I have to keep understanding how I'm progressing, but everything is in order."