Marc Marquez was a breath of fresh air for motorcycling this year, but the feats of MotoGP's youngest world champion have only reinforced the dominance of the sport's two leading teams.
New blood —
Marc Marquez was a breath of fresh air for motorcycling this year, but the feats of MotoGP's youngest world champion have only reinforced the dominance of the sport's two leading teams.
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Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo, denied a third world title by his 20-year-old compatriot, won eight of the 18 races.
Lorenzo's law —
Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo, denied a third world title by his 20-year-old compatriot, won eight of the 18 races.
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Marquez claimed six victories, while his Repsol Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa (pictured) topped the podium on three occasions.
Honda heroes —
Marquez claimed six victories, while his Repsol Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa (pictured) topped the podium on three occasions.
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Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi was generally off the leading pace, but the Italian picked up one win -- at Assen -- on his return to Yamaha after two seasons at Ducati.
'Doctor' in waiting room —
Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi was generally off the leading pace, but the Italian picked up one win -- at Assen -- on his return to Yamaha after two seasons at Ducati.
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Ducati, the only other factory team in MotoGP, has signed British rider Cal Crutchlow from the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 satellite outfit in a bid to restore its ailing fortunes.
Italian team's savior? —
Ducati, the only other factory team in MotoGP, has signed British rider Cal Crutchlow from the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 satellite outfit in a bid to restore its ailing fortunes.
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Crutchlow stepped up to the elite division after riding in the World Superbike championship in 2010, finishing fifth overall.
Bridging the gap —
Crutchlow stepped up to the elite division after riding in the World Superbike championship in 2010, finishing fifth overall.
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Crutchlow's compatriot James Toseland struggled in two years of MotoGP racing, and dropped back to Superbikes -- where he had previously won two world titles.
Briton's battles —
Crutchlow's compatriot James Toseland struggled in two years of MotoGP racing, and dropped back to Superbikes -- where he had previously won two world titles.
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Toseland told CNN that motorcycling's profile has dropped since the days when the likes of Barry Sheene (pictured in the 1970s) would socialize with Formula One peers such as James Hunt.
A rich history —
Toseland told CNN that motorcycling's profile has dropped since the days when the likes of Barry Sheene (pictured in the 1970s) would socialize with Formula One peers such as James Hunt.
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Carmelo Ezpeleta, left, is CEO of Dorna -- the commercial rights holder of MotoGP and, since late 2012, World Superbikes. He is pictured with Vito Ippolito, president of motorcycling's governing body FIM.
Power brokers —
Carmelo Ezpeleta, left, is CEO of Dorna -- the commercial rights holder of MotoGP and, since late 2012, World Superbikes. He is pictured with Vito Ippolito, president of motorcycling's governing body FIM.
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