Back in the 2 stroke era most riders would use the number of where they finished the previous season, Max Biaggi for example ran the #2 in 1999, the #4 in 2000, and his iconic #3 in 2001. But since the early 00’s almost no riders have done this, instead opting to use the same lucky number each year in order to maintain a brand. Champions often opt to use the #1 plate (with the exception of Rossi, Lorenzo (2nd title), and Marquez) but it is widely viewed as cursed, as no premier class champion since Mick Doohan has been able to retain it. But that’s not what I want to discuss, what i’m interested in is the use of the #2 and #3 plates.
You may or may not know this, but the #2 and #3 are reserved just like the #1, the top three finishers each season have the option to run their finishing position on the bike the following season. But only one rider in the MotoGP era has actually taken up this offer; Dani Pedrosa. After finishing runner up to Stoner in 2007, Dani ran the #2 plate for 2008. The reasoning was to remind everyone that he was best of the rest last season, and more importantly, that he was faster than Rossi, who at the time was still in his prime. In 2008 Dani finished 3rd behind Rossi and Stoner, and opted to use the #3 in 2009. Dani had the option to retain that #3 for 2010, having finished 3rd behind the two Yamaha’s, but there was a lot of pressure from his fans to return to his iconic #26, and since 2009 no rider has used the #2 or #3 plate.
Currently in 2019 the Championship is pretty much in the bag for Marquez, and Dovi is sitting very comfortably in second, but the battle for third is anyone’s game, and also the inspiration for this post. With the way Marquez has been absolutely dominating this season, I think next season is the perfect time for the #2 and/or #3 to return. With Marquez firmly on top, running the #2 next season says to the other riders “There’s Marquez, and then there’s me.” and same with the #3 “Don’t forget, while the top two were battling it out front, I was best of the rest.”
In modern MotoGP the riders brand identity is important, but I think the potential psychological impact of running the #2 or #3 outweighs that, and I hope that we see them being run again in the future!
Back in the 2 stroke era most riders would use the number of where they finished the previous season, Max Biaggi for example ran the #2 in 1999, the #4 in 2000, and his iconic #3 in 2001. But since the early 00’s almost no riders have done this, instead opting to use the same lucky number each year in order to maintain a brand. Champions often opt to use the #1 plate (with the exception of Rossi, Lorenzo (2nd title), and Marquez) but it is widely viewed as cursed, as no premier class champion since Mick Doohan has been able to retain it. But that’s not what I want to discuss, what i’m interested in is the use of the #2 and #3 plates.You may or may not know this, but the #2 and #3 are reserved just like the #1, the top three finishers each season have the option to run their finishing position on the bike the following season. But only one rider in the MotoGP era has actually taken up this offer; Dani Pedrosa. After finishing runner up to Stoner in 2007, Dani ran the #2 plate for 2008. The reasoning was to remind everyone that he was best of the rest last season, and more importantly, that he was faster than Rossi, who at the time was still in his prime. In 2008 Dani finished 3rd behind Rossi and Stoner, and opted to use the #3 in 2009. Dani had the option to retain that #3 for 2010, having finished 3rd behind the two Yamaha’s, but there was a lot of pressure from his fans to return to his iconic #26, and since 2009 no rider has used the #2 or #3 plate.Currently in 2019 the Championship is pretty much in the bag for Marquez, and Dovi is sitting very comfortably in second, but the battle for third is anyone’s game, and also the inspiration for this post. With the way Marquez has been absolutely dominating this season, I think next season is the perfect time for the #2 and/or #3 to return. With Marquez firmly on top, running the #2 next season says to the other riders “There’s Marquez, and then there’s me.” and same with the #3 “Don’t forget, while the top two were battling it out front, I was best of the rest.”In modern MotoGP the riders brand identity is important, but I think the potential psychological impact of running the #2 or #3 outweighs that, and I hope that we see them being run again in the future! http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png
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