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MotoGP, Marquez: I can now take risks with the Honda as I did in the past

Marc reveals: “My rival on Sunday? If we'd raced today, I'd have said Pedrosa, but Valentino will be there with us”

MotoGP: Marquez: I can now take risks with the Honda as I did in the past

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He was the only one able to duck under 1’55”, stopping the clock on 1’54”981. A perfect Saturday for Marc Marquez, who repeats last year's pole, closing just 0.092 ahead of Valentino Rossi.

 “I think it's the best way to start the second part of the season – comments #93 - I felt good on the flying lap and have good pace too. We've been able to improve there actually and that's important – he adds – the aim is to reach the podium, but I also want to try and fight for the win”.

As well as his rivals, Marc also needs to keep one eye on the sky.

“As we know, the weather will be unstable, but I feel strong in both the wet and the dry. I'm hoping for a dry race of course – he states – and if it is I expect Pedrosa to be competitive. We'll be ready in any case”.

Who are the favourites?

“It's hard to say, if the race had been this afternoon, I'd have said Dani. But I prefer to wait – he continues - because the Yamahas are growing and I expect another step forward, especially by Valentino, he's always competitive in the race and will be up there”.

Then there are the tyres.

“The last ten laps will be crucial for the tyres and Pedrosa is great in managing them".

During the morning, Marc closely followed Rossi.

“In FP3 I wanted to see what his strengths were. He's very fast in acceleration, but we are competitive in other ways”.

A comment on the new Ducati fairing too.

“It's very strange, perhaps last year's was more dangerous. If it's been homologated I guess it's fine."

Compared to 2016, this Marc Marquez is proving to have an extra gear.

“The tests helped us, as I've struggled at brno in the past, while now it's different. I have to say that this weekend I've been able to take those risks that i was taking last year, particularly thanks to the front tyre”.

He also spares a thought for Angel Nieto.

Tomorrow will be a special day, I think each of us will do our best to win and dedicate the result to him. I scored my 69th pole today, it's for Nicky Hayden”.

PEDROSA: THE WORK OVER THE SUMMER IS PAYING OFF

Honda only just missed out on the double today. Dani Pedrosa had to settle for the third fastest time.

“I'm pleased with the qualifying– comments the Spaniard - especially with the four laps completed. it was perhaps too hot but we were able to work on the tyres anyway. Both us and Yamaha have proved to be competitive, it'll be a good battle tomorrow”.

Pedrosa knows that anything can happen though.

“We need to see about the weather– he states -  and the tyre choice if there are low temperatures. The final decision about which tyre to use will be key".  

the Honda rider is keen to do well.

“During the summer break we worked hard and need to stay focused now. Many riders can be fast tomorrow but we want to make the most of this opportunity”.

He too is thinking of Nieto.

“I'm sure that will be extra motivation - concludes Dani – his memory will make it an emotional race for all of us”.

 

Translated by Heather Watson
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