MotoGP Update: Kevin Schwantz Talks Marc Marquez

What’s the difference between a good rider and a great rider?

Not only did MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez have what he called the “perfect weekend” at Circuit of The Americas—leading every practice, topping qualifying, and winning Sunday’s race—the 21-year-old Spaniard duly impressed 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz.

“At the end of qualifying,” the Texan said, “I watched Marquez come around turn 18, completely off the edge of the bike, knee on the ground, elbow just about on the ground.

“You can see the bike is out of line, and as it starts to get back in line, the white stripe starts to go out of shot. He gets back in the gas and turns it, and gets it right back to the white line.”

That, Schwantz said, is a classic example of what a great rider does compared to a good rider. “A great rider makes that mistake and realizes it before it causes him any kind of drama.”

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