From Formula 1 and MotoGP tracks to open waters. Daniel Ricciardo and Marc Márquez, guided by skipper Arnaud Psarofaghis, had the chance to face each other in America’s Cup yachts, the world’s largest sailing competition.
It was a friendly duel that took place in Barcelona a few days before the Spanish F1 Grand Prix, in which Ricciardo will participate. The Australian and Márquez were able to experience a different adrenaline rush than they are used to, with the yachts reaching speeds of about 90km/h.
In the end, Ricciardo emerged victorious. It is worth mentioning that both are affiliated with Red Bull, which supports a team in the America’s Cup – Alinghi Red Bull Racing. This partnership takes advantage of synergies with F1, working closely with Red Bull Advanced Technologies.
Ricciardo commented on the similarities between the yacht and an F1 car: ‘The way these boats are built and their structure is very similar to that of an F1 cockpit. They are quite sensitive to the wind, so aerodynamics also play a role. It’s very much like what we do, with small movements and everything requiring a lot of delicacy’.
Márquez highlighted the speed reached: ‘The speed is completely different. Maybe in kilometers per hour it is slower, but the sensation of speed was quite high. When you’re inside, you don’t feel like you’re flying. But then I saw Daniel’s boat flying next to us and realized that I was too’.
