Baker wins the Superprestigio as Marquez crashes out
American Brad ‘the bullet’ Baker stormed to victory, as MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez crashed out of the final in the 2014 Superprestigio held in Barcelona last night.
The event which was held in Palau Sant Jordi saw a whole host of MotoGP stars including Marc Marquez, Maverick Viñales, Aleix Espargaro, Bradley Smith and Alvaro Bausita amongst other riders take part in the Superpresitigo class. The Superprestigio class ran alongside the open class which was contested by predominately European flat track riders, but they were also joined by Baker.
Prior to the event, the eagerly anticipated battle was between MotoGP World Champion and AMA flat track champions, Marquez and Baker, and neither disappointed on their way to the final.
Baker made light work of his heats, and soared through to the open final, which he won with absolute ease, securing his place in the final.
Marquez, much like Baker, eased through his heats, showing his is just as talented on the dirt as he is on the tarmac. Despite his ease through the heats, Marquez encountered problems on his way to the Superfinal.
The Superprestigio class ran a four-race final, and despite a couple of mistakes, including falls, after just getting out of line a little too much, Marquez made his way into the Superfinal. The very impressive Kenny Noyes and equally as impressive Tito Rabat progressed with Marquez into the superfinal, with Aleix Espargaro claiming the final spot.
With both men progressing through to the Superfinal, the battle which had been billed could unfold. Marquez, in his loose, somewhat erratic style managed to battle with the much more technical Baker, but Marquez’ style ultimately proved his undoing.
Baker and Marquez managed to clear off into the distance to have a race of their own at the front, and after some jaw-dropping racing between the two which saw both men display sensational control, the race was eventually decided three laps from the end when Marquez ended up on the floor.
With the crown going wild and after Marquez had nearly run Baker into the wall, with three laps remaining, Baker dived up in the inside of Marquez, leaving the MotoGP Champion with no space to turn into. Anxious about running wide Marquez pushed the front just a little too much, the front folded and the race was over. He would remount by would eventually cross the line in eighth, and last position.
After looking around the arena from the front, Baker could see Marquez was no longer a threat, and the bullet managed to secure the win, to a warm, and thoroughly satisfied 8,000 strong crowd. Baker was joined on the podium by Tito Rabat and Kenny Noyes.
After the race, winner Baker said: “I feel sorry for having that contact with Marquez in the Superfinal, it’s been a great hand to hand,” before putting another mouthwatering offer on the table. “I’d love to repeat this experience back home and invite Marc to the Half Mile next year,” said Baker.
Marquez was delighted with the fan turn out, and the success of the event, and hopes the event will run in 2015 too. “I’m extremely happy with this show,” said Marquez. “The fans had discovered Dirt Track in Spain and they have really enjoyed so as we did! Nice fight with Baker. I’ve learned a lot of things. Hope to see this show back here next year!”
Watch, and enjoy the Superfinal again here.