Marc Marquez is no stranger to horror crashes. His career has many instances of terrifying high sides and incredibly fast front-end washouts. One such instance came at the 2019 Thai GP- the venue destined to mark his glory. Marquez was about to be crowned the 2019 World Champion at the Buriram International Circuit after an unbelievable season. The circuit was filled with high-spirited fans throughout the weekend looking to celebrate his 8th World Title. These celebrations were put on hold as the Repsol Honda rider crashed heavily in Friday’s FP1.

The Spaniard was in the middle of a hot lap when he was violently flicked by his bike as he braked to prepare for Turn 7. Marquez’s Honda cartwheeled into the gravel multiple times and disintegrated into pieces. Marc landed heavily on his left arm at approximately 180kph (110mph). Alpine star’s suit sensors suggest that the rider suffered upwards of 26 of force upon landing.

The crash lasted 5 seconds. Marquez was later required to visit the medical center and the local hospital for an MRI. The rider commented, “It was a nightmare, for around five seconds, I couldn’t breathe.” Many pundits and reporters termed the crash ‘potentially career-ending.’ Marc Marquez, however, recovered magnificently well from the crash as he continued to ride in FP2.

The rider then claimed a fabulous win on Sunday as he beat the famous 2019 rookie –  Fabio Quartararo, in an epic last-lap battle. This Grand Prix was the last time Marquez celebrated a World Championship title. The 2019 season is known for its Marc Marquez chronicles as the rider delivered one of the best seasons in the history of our sport.

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Marc Marquez’s magic 2019 Season

Marc Marquez hasn’t had the best start to this decade, as his 2020 season was marred by another horrific crash at the season-opening race at Jerez. The Spaniard has struggled to get back to his mercurial best since. As the Moto GP circus prepares for the 2023 Indonesian GP this week, let’s explore Marquez’s last triumph – The fabled 2019 season.

The duel between Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso was the talking point before the start of the 2019 season. Dovi finished runners-up to Marc in 2018, and the Ducati looked incredibly strong in the 2019 pre-season testing.

Dovi took the first spoils of 2019 as he won in Qatar (another fantastic last-lap battle), and Marquez finished second. Marquez won the following race in Argentina and crashed in the 3rd race – Grand Prix of the Americas (COTA). The championship was still wide open following this round, but Marquez soon changed that.

The menacing rider never finished lower than P2 following the race in Austin. Marquez took 18 podiums out of the possible 19 (he crashed out of the lead at Austin, getting a DNF). This was a generational rider at the very top of his game. He won 12 GPs, breaking the single-season points with 420 points. The number 93 claimed his crown – his 8th – at the Indonesian GP.

Even though the rider has been out of contention because of his injuries and Honda’s shortcomings in building a competitive bike, it is best to remember what he was capable of at his best. It will be interesting to see how Marquez performs on a Ducati – apparently the best bike on the grid.

In case you missed it:

• WATCH: Valentino Rossi’s brother goes airborne in a violent high-side crash at Le Mans Junior MotoGP race
• MotoGP legend Giacomo Agostini gives his verdict on Marc Marquez’s Honda exit

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