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MotoGP, Marquez: With the new Michelins I'll be more competitive at Mugello

Pedrosa: “It will be an emotional weekend, when I decided to have surgery in 2015, Nicky said to me…”

MotoGP: Marquez: With the new Michelins I'll be more competitive at Mugello

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Operation redemption. Two crashes in five races: too many for a Marc Marquez who dreams of his sixth World Championship title. For the Spaniard, the time has come to turn the page, aware that mistakes are no longer allowed. At Mugello, the Honda rider dreams of playing the leading role once again, just like in 2014 when he won ahead of Lorenzo.

For the occasion, number 93, like the other riders, will be able to rely on the harder carcass tyre, voted in by the majority in France: “In the last test in Barcelona we worked on the setup, focusing especially on the front tyre that we will use from this weekend – he revealed – I must say that, thanks to this change, I felt less movement. I will obviously need to see how I feel in the race – he added – but with my riding style, I certainly have more confidence and I’ll be more competitive at Mugello.”

Marc has not forgotten Nicky Hayden either: “Along with the team, we were leaving for Spain when we received the bad news – he commented – I remember when he won the 2006 World Championship. I was just starting out in my career.” The five-time world champion also added: “We participated in an event together once and he started speaking Spanish, since I was struggling with English – he recalled – It was really nice and fun. He treated me like his brother. We also shared a garage last year at Phillip Island – he said – There was a great party at the end of the day. He had great passion for motorcycle racing, just like his family. He will always be in our hearts.”

In Italy, Dani Pedrosa hopes to confirm his golden moment. At the moment he is Viñales’ direct rival for the title race. The tests in Spain helped number 26 prepare for the Italian round in the best possible way: “At Catalunya we focused in particular on the tyres that we will use from the upcoming race – he commented – We worked hard and we also made some changes to be more competitive and the sensations improved. We have a good base and the test in Spain proved to be positive.

Dani Pedrosa also reminisced about Hayden: “This weekend will be very emotional – he said – It is difficult to lose a friend who was your teammate for years. I still remember Nicky’s hard work and commitment in 2006 to win that title, without ever giving up – the Honda rider commented – In 2015, when I decided to take a break to have surgery on my arm, he was one of the first riders who talked to me to see how I was. He was also the one who recommended the doctor for the surgery. He was a wonderful person and I am sad and sorry for his family.”

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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