Santi Hernández, a veteran crew chief in the MotoGP World Championship, reflects on his remarkable journey and the impact of his riders, particularly Marc Márquez. Hernández's career has spanned decades, working with legendary riders like Álex Crivillé, Valentino Rossi, and Sete Gibernau. However, it's his time with Márquez that stands out as a defining moment.
Hernández's fondest memories are of Márquez's early days in Moto2, where they built a team from scratch. This period, from 2011 to 2012, was a unique and personal project for Hernández and his team. The challenge of creating something new and the opportunity to witness Márquez's evolution from a teenager to a champion made it truly special. Hernández's attachment to this period is personal, as he got to know a younger, almost childlike Márquez, and saw him grow into a world-class rider.
The key to Márquez's success, according to Hernández, lies in his competitive spirit and unwavering dedication. Despite his many achievements, Márquez's essence has remained the same. He is ambitious, always giving 101%, and his competitive DNA has never wavered. Hernández recalls a pivotal moment during Márquez's first Moto2 test at Jerez, where the young rider's calmness and ability to convey his feelings about the bike immediately stood out. This, combined with his talent, led Hernández to believe that Márquez could become a great champion.
Looking ahead, Hernández is preparing for a new chapter in his career. With the introduction of 850cc prototypes and Joan Mir's move to Team Gresini, Hernández is navigating a transition. He remains focused on the present, working with Mir and respecting the decisions of others regarding the future. Hernández's expertise and insights continue to shape the sport, and his legacy as a crew chief is secure, thanks to his contributions to riders like Márquez and the teams he has worked with.
