MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez says the level of aggression seen during the Phillip Island race was ‘normal’ and should remain to avoid becoming like Formula 1.
Marquez – who eventually won the Australian Grand Prix – was involved in a frantic lead group, which contained eight riders for much of it, battling for the victory.
There were several instances of contact during the 27 laps, including a brush between Marquez and Valentino Rossi exiting the Southern Loop – leaving a big tyre mark of the Yamaha rider’s leathers.
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While overtakes were hard and close on numerous occasions, Marquez believes this is now the norm in an ultra-competitive MotoGP field and reckons it is the reason why the series is growing in popularity compared to its four-wheel counterpart.
“It was a big group, like a Moto3 race and I enjoyed a lot,” the Spaniard beamed.
“For me, of course it was at the limit, but today was normal.
“(It) was aggressive, some contact, but in the end this is racing. If we go down with the limit, (the racing) becomes like Formula 1 races.
“In the end, this is why MotoGP is going up (in popularity).”
Rossi echoed the Honda rider’s comments on the race, and concedes that these more aggressive battles do bring slightly more risk. However, he feels this is justified by the spectacle it produces.
“It was an amazing race, a classic, great race of Phillip Island,” said the Italian.
“I enjoy a lot. Was very aggressive, this is normal when you fight against riders like Marquez, (Andrea) Iannone, Zarco.
“But these are the rules of the game, now is like this. In the last period, the aggressiveness raise a lot.
“It’s a bit more dangerous, but it is like this. If you wanna play, this is the game.
“For sure, it’s more dangerous but it’s very enjoyable from the sofa, and also from the bike.”
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