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Marc Marquez has once again allowed the Sky cameras access to Rufea, the flat track circuit where he trains throughout the season. The six-time champion carried out a lengthy interview with Antonio Boselli, talking about the 2017 season, his rivals, among which Rossi and Dovizioso, and also his future ambitions.
“Rufea is my second home, where I train and sometimes spend time reflecting, when a weekend hasn't gone well for example. I like to train here, there are also many young kids who I try to help, teaching them how to improve their riding style and also their diet”.
Marc is asked whether he'll follow Rossi's example and open a sort of Ranch.
“I think Valentino's done a great job, particularly in maintaining that mentality –comments #93 - the Ranch is really helpful for the riders. For now, I don't know but as for the future, you never know. I like the idea, but a project like that needs to be properly managed, he can count on the support of many people”.
From the present to the past. Marc is shown some pictures of riders who have contributed to Honda history. The first is Doohan.
“Mick was a very aggressive rider, also in terms of his approach to racing, I think he's the one who is closest to me. He was explosive and told me straight away that the Honda needed to be ridden in this way”.
The second image #93 is shown is of Rossi, and he is asked if he too will race until he achieves ten titles.
“To be honest, I've never raced to reach a certain number of titles, but for the dream of winning a championship. It's true that I've won many, but each year is different, and so I continue to try and grow”.
Then a photo of Hayden.
“I was so upset about his passing - he recalls - when I made my debut in the world championship in 2008 I was next to him at the presentation. I was his kid”.
Then a picture of Stoner of course.
“Casey was very explosive with a similar riding style to mine, as he rode with the rear wheel. It's interesting, because at the tracks where he was strong, I am too, and the same goes for those where he struggled. He has a strong character, both on and off the track”.
Casey left after a few years while Rossi is still battling it out on track. #93 is asked for how long he thinks he'll continue to race.
“Valentino is the opposite of Stoner. Casey's character saw him stop after many podiums and wins while Rossi can also count on the support of the Ranch and his training. I can only say that I'll continue for as long as my body allows it, though it all depends on the head”.
Back to the recently concluded season, and there had to be a photo of his 'super-save' at Valencia.
“Honestly I don't know how I did it. I think it's a reflex, due to my open-elbow riding style and training method. Nothing like that had happened to be before, I really don't know what the secret was there”.
Marc is one of those riders who always seeks the limit, he's asked whether this isn't in fact too risky.
“It's a style that I want to change because it's dangerous and I could hurt myself but for now I ride like this and when i try something different I don't feel like myself on the Honda”.
In the first races of 2017, the Spaniard crashed twice.
“I was taking less risks earlier in the season and crashed a couple of times. So I decided to change and I hope to crash less in 2018”.
The rider market also comes up in conversation.
“Right now I don't know what will happen. My door is open, though my priority lies with those who believed in me right from the start, and therefore Honda. I'll go where my heart leads me, to the right place. As I've already said, i'm not looking for a gamble, but a competitive project and bike that will allow me to win every race. What counts is happiness, because that is priceless”.
HIs direct rival for the 2017 title was Andrea Dovizioso. A rider who few imagined could be so competitive.
“Dovi has taught me a lot, both on and off track, particularly the fact that you should never underestimate anyone. When he won at Mugello and Barcelona I was almost pleased, as I thought he was taking points off Valentino and Vinales, but he proved so competitive that he was fighting for the title”.
#93 envies one aspect of the Italian's riding.
“He has a great approach to the races and a riding style that he won't change for anyone”.
Then there is a photo of the gesture the Ducati rider made at the Red Bull Ring, when he told him where to go after that attempted pass at the final corner.
“He was right to make that gesture (he smiles), because we could have both crashed through that corner, but I couldn't not try. I think that is when he realised he could fight for the title, even his character became more aggressive”.
There is also bike talk. Marquez is asked whether he'd like to test the Ducati
“When you see a bike that wins you always want to try it – he comments - this applies to the Ducati, but also the KTM or the Yamaha. The grass is always greener as they say”.
Among the images that the Spaniard is shown, there is also one with Valentino, taken at Montmelò in 2008, when the Doctor gave him a model of the Subaru rally car.
“Valentino was the rider of reference, he had won so many races and I really liked that gift”.
A photo of the 2015 scandal in Malaysia. Marc is asked what he thinks about it.
“I'd really like to forget it, to forget the whole of 2015, I think that's best. It all started with Thursday's press conference and then it blew up, from Friday all the way to Sunday, with a hard-fought race. Also this year, in Australia, we had a hard-fought race, I made contact several times”.
He is asked about the 46-93 relationship.
“Right now we have a cordial, professional relationship, the same goes for the other riders, constantly trying to be up front on track”.
At Valencia Marquez secured his sixth title and if he continues at this pace he could become the most successful rider of all time.
“I will always try to do my best, though I don't know where I'll end up, as everything can change overnight. The rider counts, but the contribution of his team is fundamental”.
He closes by listing those who he thinks will be his direct rivals in 2018.
“I'd say six, the Yamahas, Dovi, Pedrosa, Lorenzo and Zarco”.
Last question - what is your dream?
“To race in MotoGP with my brother Alex”.
