MotoGP, Marquez: "I'm unable to be as fast as I would like to be"

Andrea Iannone snatched the best time of the day from Marc Marquez, but in terms of pace, the Spaniard proved to be uncatchable. Spicing up the six-time world champion’s day was a crash, but with no consequences.

“I did the best lap with the hard tyre, whereas with the medium I ended up in the gravel – Marc remembered with a smile – In any case, we were able to improve the setup of the bike, although I still haven’t found the right confidence. We’ll see the situation tomorrow – he added – I must say that Viñales is not far off, but we’ll continue working.”

The number 93 rider’s attention shifts to the track conditions.

“There are some bumps – he pointed out – Each of us expected it to be less, but instead it seems like it’s the same level as last year. It’s hard to race like this – he said – Because you push less, the limit is much closer and I can’t turn as I’d like to.”

And to think that the riders expected to find a different situation.

“Last year we asked them to reduce some of the dips and they did it – Marc said – The fact is that every year that I come here the track is always smooth and there are dips on the turns.”

The six-time world champion then talks about the inherent tyre choice.

“The hard tyre on the rear is an option for the race, since it is consistent and works well – he pointed out – But I need to try the medium and the soft, although with the latter I felt some vibrations. Maybe it was a tyre that had problems already from the start, whereas I think the medium has less grip.”

The Spaniard then talks about his crash on turn eleven.

“As I said, there are various dips – he reiterated – On that occasion, I braked much earlier than on the previous lap, but I lost the front. This means that you have to be very precise.”

One of the issues of the day was also the Honda’s engine.

“I am trying to improve – Marquez explained – In the previous race, there were not a lot of fast turns, whereas here it is the exact opposite, so it could be a small problem. Right now I still don’t have the confidence that I would like to have – he admitted – But I am convinced that we will take a step forward.”