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MotoGP, Marquez: "Dovizioso has the fastest race pace"

Marc does not drop his guard after the second place time: "When I go into qualifying mode I am always able to achieve something special"

MotoGP: Marquez: "Dovizioso has the fastest race pace"

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On the Saturday of the Losail weekend, the stamp of the champion was not lacking. We are talking about Marc Marquez, who managed to ride his Honda to just two tenths behind Johann Zarco’s pole position. The six-time world champion therefore had to settle for second place, but he showed that when the going gets tough, he never pulls back.

“I am happy with this result, partly because the goal was to stay on the front two rows – number 93 began – Zarco deserved pole position since he was faster than the rest, without even using a slipstream. Maybe it would have even been unfair to take it from him (smiling).”

The Spaniard’s mind is already on the race.

“I must say that we are not in bad shape in terms of pace – the Honda rider pointed out – even if the fastest in this aspect is undoubtedly Dovi. As for what we saw in FP4, Andrea and Danilo seem to have something more than the other riders.”

The battle seems to be more wide open than ever.

"It is very complicated to predict who will be battling for the podium – Marc commented – In the last free practice session, a lot of riders had the same pace. So I expect Cal, as well as the Suzukis and the two Yamahas. In any case, I am happy – he added – because I had some good feedback on pace, managing to be competitive.”

So, one thing is certain: the little devil from Cervera managed to close the gap behind the leaders.

This track does not suit the characteristics of our bike well – he reiterated – When I go into qualifying mode, however, I am able to achieve something special. Personally, I feel good, although tomorrow we will need to figure out the tyres – he warned – trying to stay with the fastest group in the race. As we know, this is the first race of the season and all the riders are pumped up, but we will also need to be careful.”

Marc talks about the tyres.

“The conditions are very different here between day and night – he concluded – I worked primarily on the medium and tomorrow we’ll see which direction to take for the race.”

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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