The Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) arrives in Navarra with the Supersport NG category very even, Marco Tapia is being one of the great revelations of the year. The young rider from Palma de Mallorca, European Stock600 champion in 2022, joined Team Speed Racing – the reigning champion of the category – in the second round of the championship, as a replacement for Eric Fernández, who made the leap to the Moto2 World Championship after being proclaimed national champion.
Since his arrival, Tapia has shown a quick adaptation and a very high competitive level. With only two rounds played under the colors of Jose Regaña's team, they are already third in the overall standings with 76 points, thanks to two second places and a victory. These results confirm the potential of the rider-team duo and fuel Team Speed Racing's aspirations to defend the Supersport NG title.
In addition, Marco Tapia combines his participation in the ESBK with the FIM JuniorGP World Championship, within the Moto2 category, where he currently occupies thirteenth position overall. His growth as a pilot and his international commitments reflect the ambition of a project that does not stop growing.
With the aim of continuing to add to the team, the technical structure of Team Speed Racing will introduce a novelty this weekend in Navarra: the incorporation of a sports coach. This new figure will be played by Alejandro Medina, former driver of the team and old acquaintance of the paddock, whose experience and knowledge will be put at the service of the team's young talents to reinforce the overall performance of the team.
The expectation is clear: to continue on the path to the podium and fight for victory in both races in Navarra.
How would you rate your season so far?:
It's been a great season, getting better and better. I started from having no previous experience with the Ducati, but thanks to the fact that I have a great team, there has been no great difficulty in my development. Working with the current champions of the category, with the results they had last year, makes you fully trust each of their decisions.
What do you think of the Navarra Circuit and the fact that two ESBK races are held there?
I think it's great that two races are being held at the Navarra circuit, because it brings back memories of when I competed in Moto 4 in 2018, and since then I haven't competed at the circuit again, I'm really looking forward to returning.
What expectations do you have for both events?
The expectations are to continue progressing with the Ducati and work the same as in the previous tests with my team. I am sure that continuing in the same vein will give us some success to celebrate.