Suspendisse
Over the course of 2014 there were 981 crashes in total across the 18 Grand Prix weekends, 118 crashes more than in 2013. In the premier class there were 206 crashes, 61 of which occurred during races.
In Moto2™ 134 of the total 408 crashes came during races, whilst in Moto3™ 140 of the 367 spills happened whilst the riders were racing – as opposed to riding in free practice or qualifying.
MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez reduced his number of crashes from last year, recording 11 in 2014, having crashed 15 times in 2013.
It was Bradley Smith who recorded the most crashes of any rider in the premier class this year, the Briton going down 16 times, putting him eighth in the list of riders with most crashes this year across the three Grand Prix classes, with Moto2 and Moto3 riders occupying the top seven spots.
Jorge Lorenzo, meanwhile, rarely crashes and each year that passes he seems to crash less and less. In 2011 and 2012 he crashed five times, in 2013 he had three accidents and this year he crashed just twice.
Unfortunately there were no riders in the World Championship who did not record a single crash – perhaps a sign that to ride in Grand Prix one must always push close to the limit.
A Moto2 rookie and riding alone in his team, Speed Up’s Sam Lowes learned the hard way in 2014 as the rider to crash most in all three crashes, with 25 spills. Axel Pons and Sandro Cortese were not far behind him with 22 and 20 crashes respectively.
Meanwhile in Moto3 another rookie, Karel Hanika was pushing hard as he acclimatised to Grand Prix racing with Red Bull KTM Ajo – crashing on 24 occasions. In the same class Niccolo Antonelli crashed 22 times this year.
Misano was the circuit which saw the most crashes in 2014 by some margin with 109 in total, followed by Motegi and Phillip Island where there were 71 crashes each. It must be pointed out however that in 2013 there were far fewer accidents at Misano (66) and that this year the figure was increased significantly by a very wet Friday which caused slippery conditions during the free practice sessions.
Aliquam ac tempor risus.
With the MotoGP World Championship over, this Saturday it was time to celebrate the successes of the Repsol Honda riders. Marc and Alex Marquez were treated to a unique party in the streets of Cervera, where thousands of fans hailed the historic achievements of this season.
For residents of the Spanish city, holding title celebrations is becoming a tradition after the honours taken in 2010 in the 125cc class, in 2012 in Moto2 and in MotoGP last year. For the fourth time in five years, the streets were filled and there was a party atmosphere. The difference this time was that the fans were not only out to cheer two-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez, but also his younger brother Alex –newly crowned as Moto3 World Champion. Accompanied by their respective teams, the siblings led a massive parade through the streets of Cervera to reach a stage –where they were able to address all those present.
It was an exciting end to a party at which the Repsol Honda riders expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of their fans, in addition to the work of their teams and everyone who got behind them in such a special season. Both Alex and Marc displayed their charisma and charm on stage, where they were cheered in an emotional ceremony that signed off an unforgettable 2014.
Marc Marquez
"Today was a very beautiful and special day. This year the weather has been good as well, and even though it was a little cold at least it didn't rain like last year. It was very emotional to see all the people from the town, familiar faces and everyone who has travelled here to celebrate our two titles –both my brother's and mine. All of this shows us that what we have achieved is very big and gives us a lot of motivation for next year."
Alex Marquez
"It has been a very special day with the people of Cervera and all who have come from outside the town. We want the fans to feel that this title is theirs too, because without their support it would not have been possible. Last year we held a celebration here, and we promised that we would come back with two titles. We succeeded. It has been a long and difficult year, in which we have had to work hard. Now it is time to rest a bit and enjoy mine and my brother's titles, but I can't wait to face the new challenges ahead."