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With the traditional Thursday press conference, the curtain goes up on the Valencia race weekend. Before handing over to the riders, there is just time for a video in honour of Nick Harris, the historic MotoGP commentator. The Spanish round will be the British journalist's last even after a 38-year career at the racetracks.
After a round of applause for Nick, it's the riders' turn. Marc Marquez was the first to speak: "This race is the decider – starts #93- I'll face the weekend as I always do, giving 100%, even if this is a special GP. I'll try to enjoy myself in front of my fans, while remembering to stay focused as always, seeing as anything could happen”.
The path to the title already seems to be marked out, but the Honda rider is not taking anything for granted: “Many people are saying it's already as good as done, but that's not the case - states Marc – it's better to be in front of course, but I still have to remain focused, as the situation isn't simple. It means I have a special energy anyway. It's not the first time I'm fighting for the title at Valencia. The aim is to bring home the best result”. At the last round, the five-time champion was forced to play on the defensive: “At Sepang I didn't race with my usual style. Here I'll try to start well and be quick right from practice, before seeing what my level is like after warm-up. I definitely won't be thinking about tenth place”.
At just 24 years of age, #93 has beaten record after record but he prefers to concentrate on other things: “I'm not interested in records. I only think about winning”. Lastly, he dons his teacher's garb and hands out marks:“In terms of the early part of the season, I'd give myself a 6, then a 9 for the second part. It all depends on what happens come Sunday though".
Marc doesn't say it, but he may well also be counting on Dani Pedrosa's help this weekend: “I really like this track and the public's support - says #26 - last year's event wasn't positive, due to my injury, but I hope to be competitive this time, finding the right rhythm”. the Honda rider is already thinking about 2018, though there's also a touch of disappointment with regard to the current season: “unfortunately I wasn't able to find the right confidence during the year. My goal for the future is to improve on my weak points and try to start strong”. Dani also gives himself a grade: “I'd say a 7”.
At the final Valencia round, another man wanting to stand out is Johann Zarco: “I have to say that this season has gone better than I expected - comments the Frenchman- I've been able to improve and be quick”. So the Tech3 rider displays a certain confidence: “I have the potential to win this weekend, if I can't manage it, I'll try again in 2018”.
One year ago, he began his journey on board the Yamaha: “I was really shocked back then. I was struggling to control the bike, but then during the season I gained confidence and grew”. The aim is always the podium: “That's what I'll be fighting for, maybe taking advantage of the fact that Marc can afford to control the situation while Dovizioso has to win”. The Frenchman's grade?“I'd say a 7.5”.
