MotoGP, Marquez: "In the duel with Rossi I did not think about Sepang"

Anything but an accountant’s mentality. This time Marc Marquez bared his claws, reminding us of the rider from a few seasons ago. In the head to head with Rossi he certainly did not pull any punches, managing to put the Doctor up against the ropes. The podium was within reach, but the final mistake compromised the Spaniard’s performance. Nothing too dramatic, because in the end he only lost three points to Valentino.

“I had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I suffered because of the front tyre choice, since we had not tried the hard solution. It’s a pity, especially about the finale, because I had already put the critical point of the race behind me, as well as the battle with Rossi. I am not happy with the result, but with the points earned.”

A great head to head with Valentino. Did you think about the past?

 "It was a great battle with Rossi, but also with Cal and Iannone. We lowered the pace, but I think it was a positive performance. To tell the truth, in the battle with Valentino I did not think about Sepang, but about the present, because this is a new championship and it has nothing to do with the previous one.”

What did not work with the hard tyre?

“At the beginning I was able to be fast, but I didn’t have the right confidence because the bike moved around a lot. So I controlled the situation, avoiding tyre wear. Then, when there were five laps left, I attacked. Unfortunately, we were struggling in acceleration. Maybe we didn’t find the best setup, since the bike was not very stable.”

There was also the battle with Crutchlow.

“Cal rode his race. He was racing for his home crowd so he obviously wanted to finish ahead of me. The mistake was mine and I can only point that out.”

Today you risked more than usual.

“Today I took a risk because I could afford to and when it is worth it I give it a go. On other occasions, on the other hand, I avoid taking risks.”

Viñales won all by himself. Did you expect that?

“Maverick knew he could win, partially because the Suzuki was fast and agile here, adapting very well to his style. He rode a great race and deserved the win.”     

Now it’s off to Misano.

“It is a different track that favours my characteristics much more than Silverstone. I expect to battle with Yamaha and aim for the podium with this mentality.”