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MotoGP, Marquez, a torpedo! Only 6 seconds from Massa's pole

The Spaniard surprises everyone at Zeltweg as he debuts at the wheel of the Red Bull RB8 with which Vettel won his third title

MotoGP: Marquez, a torpedo! Only 6 seconds from Massa's pole

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Tuesday 5 June, a date that Marc Marquez won't forget in a hurry. No, because it marks his debut at the wheel of a Formula 1 car, at the Zeltweg track. At 9am the Spaniard was out on track in the Renault-powered 2012 Red Bull RB8 but with a Toro Rosso livery. There to observe were both Mark Webber and Niki Lauda.  

The day's schedule involved around 50 laps. The six-time champ used the first part of the day to build confidence with the single-seater, before starting to try and set some fast times. He ducked under 1’15, stopping the clock on 1’14”9. This appears to be the best time set during the day. A performance that means he's just ten seconds off the pole time set by Valterri Bottas last July and only six from that of Massa with the Williams in 2014.

#93 enjoyed the day, commenting: “it's been an incredible experience to drive the Formula 1, I'm really happy, there are no words to describe it". It's not the first time a rider has tested a single-seater.  In 1982 Franco Uncini, Barry Sheene and Marco Lucchinelli took part in a test with the Brabham, designed by engineer Gordon Murray, at the Paul Ricard track.

Then let's not forget Valentino Rossi, at the wheel of the Ferrari, and Jorge Lorenzo with the Mercedes. Marquez now hands over to team-mate Pedrosa, in action with the Red Bull today along with Tony Cairoli.  

Translated by Heather Watson

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