The Austin race usually means smiles all round in the Honda camp but this year the riders are a little worried. The CotA is Marquez's second home; three GP editions have seen him score three poles and the same number of wins. When Pedrosa has raced (last year he was convalescing after forearm surgery), Honda has always done the double.

So why the doubts? Because the engine of the RC213V has lost some of its aggression but also some its performance. The weak points are acceleration and top speed, both fundamental aspects at Austin.

Marc even commented after his win in Argentina: “here there was only one significant acceleration and I was losing 2 or 3 tenths”. In the USA there are many more critical pick up points.

“We'll see how we can manage the situation this year - reflects Marquez - I like the track, I feel strong here and I've always enjoyed the racing, completing some great races. Having said that, the track requires a lot of acceleration which hasn't been our strong point this year, so we need to wait and see what we can do”.

Pedrosa seems even more worried, and is well aware of the part luck played in his podium at Termas de Rio Hondo. Dani has not yet bonded with the bike after the arrival of the Michelins and new software.

“I'm looking forward to this race, there's a special atmosphere at the American GPs and I also really like the track. I didn't race last year, but I was on the podium in the two previous seasons”, he recalls.

Now to the present: “My pace in the first two races of the year wasn't as quick as I would have wanted and we must definitely continue to work to find greater speed. In spite of everything, I'm third in the championship and must make a step forward if I want for the podium in every race”