Marc Marquez: “Big honour to equal Angel Nieto”

Marc Marquez’s 90th career victory at the Argentine MotoGP not only continued his winning start with Ducati Lenovo but placed him level with Spanish racing icon Angel Nieto on the all-time win list.

Nieto, a superstitious ‘12+1’ world champion, became a national hero during his 22-year world championship career in the 50cc, 80cc, and 125cc classes. His success, spanning until 1986, paved the way for generations of Spanish riders.

The only riders to have scored more grand prix wins are Italians Giacomo Agostini (122) and Valentino Rossi (115).

“First of all, a big honour to equal Angel Nieto because he was and is super important for all the Spanish motorcycling world. He opened the doors to the world championship,” Marc Marquez said.

Nieto’s Family Pays Tribute

Nieto’s legacy continues through his family, including his son Pablo, a former grand prix racer and now VR46 team manager. Speaking to TNT Sports, Pablo shared his emotions on seeing Marquez match his father’s record.

“It’s amazing that a lot of people are thinking about him. It’s incredible how people loved my father and my family is working here now because of him: My brother (Gelete], my cousin [Fonsi].

“So thank you to everyone, and to Marc, because I feel emotional all the time when we are talking about my father. So thanks to everyone, and to Marc.”

Marquez wore a laurel wreath on the slowdown lap at Termas as a tribute to Nieto, who died in a road accident in 2017.

“When my father was racing, he would wear the [laurel wreath] like that,” Pablo confirmed. “We have a museum for my father and we have a lot of them in there. It was nice.”

After winning both of the opening grands prix, Marquez could threaten former rival Valentino Rossi for second on the all-time list before the end of his current two-year factory Ducati contract.

“He is one of the best riders [ever] this is clear,” Nieto said of Marquez. “Of course the last years were very tough for him, very difficult. 

"But he has it. He’s still young, he still has the speed. So he’s going to be very hard to beat this year. We have to work to try to beat him!”

Franco Morbidelli completed a memorable day for Nieto with his first podium in VR46 colours.