MCN

Marc Marquez causes mayhem in a Tuk-Tuk in downtown Bangkok

Spanish MotoGP star bombs around Bangkok on mad taxi bike

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Marc Marquez has made a name for himself riding his MotoGP bike in odd places, including on a ski slope last year, but he branched out even further last week. As if riding his Honda RC213V around the streets of Bangkok wasn’t enough, he traded in two wheels for three as he dashed down Ratchadamn­oen Avenue in a tuk tuk. While there he spent time with local Moto3 hero Nakarin Atiratphuv­apat, who gave him directions around town for the best places to eat. Despite his best actions on the throttle, no wheelies were forthcomin­g. He left his MotoGP missile at a Honda dealer and headed out on the nutty tuk tuk with his GP colleague. He said: “I was in full leathers so it was very hot. But I’ve never had the chance to look around Bangkok so it was a lot of fun.”

He rode around the city centre and did a few of laps around Democracy Monument on his tuk tuk adventure, before returning for his RCV race bike. He was recognised by a few local motorists, as he tried to squeeze through some tight spots in the trafficcho­ked streets. A few cheered and

‘I was very hot in full leathers, but it was fun’ MARC MARQUEZ

beeped their horns once they realised who the rider was. But he blended in well as Bangkok boasts more than 9000 tuk tuks. It clearly helped him acclimatis­e as he went on to win the race in style from Andrea Dovizioso. It’s the first time MotoGP has raced at Thailand, but big crowds were pretty much guaranteed after a preseason test saw more than 40,000 spectators flock to the Buriram circuit. You can see a video of his tuk tuk antics on motorcycle­news.com now.

 ??  ?? From the sublime to the ridiculous for Marc Marquez
From the sublime to the ridiculous for Marc Marquez
 ??  ?? 230bhp less than he’s used to, but he’s still smiling
230bhp less than he’s used to, but he’s still smiling
 ??  ?? Many recognised Marquez who responded with a wave
Many recognised Marquez who responded with a wave
 ??  ?? The full leathers were much-needed apparently
The full leathers were much-needed apparently

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