Crutchlow backs Marquez to be immediate MotoGP podium threat

British rider Cal Crutchlow has backed rising Spanish star Marc Marquez to be an instant podium contender in the 2013 MotoGP world championship.

Marquez’s move to MotoGP was confirmed last week when the current Moto2 world championship leader signed a two-year deal to join compatriot Dani Pedrosa in the Repsol Honda squad.

The arrival of Marquez in MotoGP is one of the most exciting in recent history with the 2010 125GP world champion famed for his aggressive and fast style.

Marquez has been tipped by Valentino Rossi to become a future MotoGP world champion and Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider Crutchlow believes the 19-year-old will be fast enough on Honda’s factory RC213V machine to battle for the podium from the first race next season.

Crutchlow told MCN: “He is one of the fastest guys out there and at the first race you will see him very close to the podium. He will be fast right from the off.”

Factory Ducati rider Rossi offered his thoughts on Marquez’s deal during last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Mugello and he said: “I like Marquez a lot.

“He is very young but he has demonstrated already that he can have the potential to be a MotoGP world champion because he is very strong, very fast and sometimes he has won difficult races when he is not the fastest rider on the track. This is so important.

“To arrive in the Repsol Honda is fantastic for him, it is the best way. We are waiting for him.”