Marc Marquez backed to handle MotoGP spotlight

Marc Marquez will have no problem in coping with the intense scrutiny and pressure of stepping into Repsol Honda as Casey Stoner’s replacement in 2013.

Expectation and anticipation ahead of the Spaniard’s maiden MotoGP campaign is already building after he impressed in two testing appearances in Valencia and Sepang.

The current Moto2 world champion will race alongside Dani Pedrosa in 2013 but he has big shoes to fill after Aussie Stoner retired at the end of last season.

Stoner won 15 out of 32 races for HRC and he dominated the 2011 title race before a serious right ankle injury suffered in Indianapolis ended his challenge last season.

Stoner’s former crew chief Cristian Gabbarini, who has taken up a new technical management role within HRC, believes Marquez will have no problem in dealing with the increased pressure and expectation.

Gabbarini told MCN: “He has the right attitude and I think he is going to be fine under pressure. Sure he will feel it but he looks like a very quiet and clever guy. If you speak with him it is clear he is a young guy but it looks like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. When he goes on the track he is so focussed on the target and completely different.”