Spanish motorcycle racer Marc Marquez has forged history by becoming the first rider in 77 years of Grand Prix history to score 100 pole positions as the moment occurred during the Italian Grand Prix. Marquez narrowly left behind Pecco Bagnaia with a new lap record to win the title.
As far as Saturday's action was concerned, Tech3 KTM rider Maverick Vinales seemed to be the firm favourite, marking himself as a big threat in the pole battle. Nevertheless, Marquez edged himself ahead in the battle but faced a stiff competition from Bagnaia, who fell only 0.059s short.
Marquez had set the tone from the outset in the 15th minute in the Q2 session, posting a lap record on his opening round as the time read 1m44.500s. Bagnaia, who drives Ducati, was behind but raced himself to challenge Marquez. Although Bagnaia had overtaken Marquez at one stage, the latter returned to the top spot with a 1m44.169s to garner his 100th grand prix pole.
"Whether I win nine world titles or not, I have already overcome the biggest challenge of my career" - Marc Marquez
Speaking to the media at Mugello before completing 100 poles, Marquez recalled that the biggest challenge of his career was when he had travelled to USA to repair his arm. As quoted by paddock GP, he stated:
"Whether I win nine world titles or not, I have already overcome the biggest challenge of my career. Three years ago, right here in Mugello, I announced that I was going to the United States to have my arm refracted and straightened. This was my biggest challenge."
