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The HRC team comes to Le Mans on a high, with both riders having reached the podium in the last two races, with a win apiece. Honda has flexed his muscles after the Argentina disaster and Marquez and Pedrosa have relaunched the championship fight.
In France, Marc arrives just 4 points behind leader Rossi, Dani trails by 10 points. A very tight championship, which makes every GP important, with the need to go on the attack but also avoid any mistakes that could cost dearly.
It's easy to say that Le Mans is a track that favours Yamaha, but as we saw in Spain any predictions can equally be turned on their heads. Marquez is well aware of this.
“Le Mans is particular and different from many other layouts of the Championship - he explains - It’s a really narrow, short track with a lot of stop-and-go corners. To make an example, it’s the opposite of the Montmeló circuit [Circuit de Catalunya], but still quite enjoyable. The surface is new and we’ll discover it on Friday morning. The grip should be better and that’s positive for us riders and also for the fans as it means a better show. "
The factory Honda team was also in France for the Michelin test ten days ago, but due to the bad weather they chose not to ride.
"We must wait and see how it goes there—this year it’s even more difficult to make any predictions. We just have to continue like we’ve done in the last races, working hard, with the right mentality, because the Championship is once again very close."
With so few points separating the top 4 riders, every win is worth gold. Like that by Pedrosa in Spain, which has boosted his odds.
"After a great weekend in Jerez we now head to Le Mans in a very positive mood - he recalls - The French GP is always challenging. To begin with the weather is usually quite changeable which makes it difficult to find rhythm in the practice sessions or to plan how to improve run by run as it may be too cold or the total opposite, very hot."
As well as a strong wrist, a calm approach is required.
"The track itself is very short and the smallest differences in the lap times can make a great difference in the standings - continues Dani - I hope the bike works well on the new asphalt. You need good acceleration and good braking, but consistency is the real key. We are working well with the team and we’ll try to maintain the same level also there”.
