MarcGarcia

Marc Garcia (Halcourier Racing) has marked his name in the history books as he has become the very first FIM Supersport 300 World Champion, taking fourth postion in a tense battle around his home circuit of Circuito de Jerez.

At only 17 years old, the Spanish rider has dreamt of being crowned a world champion his whole life, and following the introduction of the WorldSSP300 series for 2017 his dream has become a reality following a stunning season of racing action. Fighting tooth and nail each round for the victory, Garcia proved his determination once more to take the title here in Spain.

Graduating from the Red Bull Rookie’s Cup in 2016, the Yamaha rider spent three seasons in the feeder class and was able to learn many valuable lessons over these seasons. In a cup in which it is hard to stand out, he ended his first season in the top ten of the standings- finishing and scoring points in every race. 2015 led to his first victory around MotorLand Aragon, as he continued his consistency for the season, ending in the top four. Fourth again in 2016 saw him take the double victory in Brno, as well as one around the Red Bull Ring in Austria, and it was now time to move on.

Joining the Halcourier Racing squad as a One Event rider, Garcia has raced in every round of the WorldSSP300 season, but got off to a steady start as he was unable to finish his debut race around MotorLand Aragon, as he was forced to retire with a technical problem. Ready to fight back in round two at TT Circuit Assen, he was still finding his feet and took a top six finish as he was just behind the manic leading group.

Imola welcomed Garcia to take his first taste of the podium glory as he secured his first victory around the tight and twisty circuit, beating local hero Alfonso Coppola (SK Racing) to the line in a race long battle. Now sitting in fourth position in the championship standings after three races, only 20 points stood between the Spanish rider and the title fight. The Pata UK Round saw Garcia make his return to the podium, taking second following the disqualification of race winner Alfonso Coppola. A tough round at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli allowed him to cross the line in sixth position, now in third position in the standings ahead of the summer break.

Round six of the championship around Lausitzring welcomed a second position finish for the Spanish rider, and this is when we really began to see his championship charge come into action. Third position in Portugal brought his podium tally up to four this season, and his mission in France was to keep the title fight alive.

Winning the race around Magny-Cours after a stunning last lap battle ahead of main title rival Coppola, he went to the final round as championship leader, ready to battle in front of his home fans. With the entire field out to battle of the victory, Garcia was able to secure fourth position in an eight way scrap for the lead and his gritty determination saw him do enough to take the title by one point.

Congratulate Garcia on his historic achievement using #GarciaChamp.