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MotoGP, Marquez: "With Dovi it would have been a different race"

Marc matches Stoner's 38 wins in the premier class: "I'm lucky Casey retired, he would have made motorcycle racing history"

MotoGP: Marquez: "With Dovi it would have been a different race"

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Marc Marquez, as always, proved to be a certainty and, just to be sure, he decided to conquer Le Mans. This is a win that weighs as much as a millstone in the race for the title, given the zero Andrea Dovizioso brought home. It is precisely from the Italian’s exit that the six-time world champion begins his analysis.

“When Dovi went out, I was surprised – the Honda rider commented – With him on the track, it would have been a different race and I say that especially in view of the competitiveness of Petrucci’s Ducati, which demonstrated great pace all the way to the end.”

Number 93’s attention then shifted to the win.

Obviously I am excited, because it is an important win and it lets me increase my advantage in the overall standings – he stated – Now the championship rankings have been reversed compared to a few weeks ago and consequently I can also manage the gap.”

In the race, the rider found great confidence in the hard tyre.

From Friday, I worked with the hard, managing to have the right sensations straight away – he explained – In terms of pace, I felt good, although I was able to assess the soft. The medium definitely would not have been the right choice, so I focused on the hard, aware that I would have struggled in the early laps. Then, once up to temperature, it would become simpler.”

Trying to rain on his parade were first Zarco and then Iannone.

“Johann made two passes at the start, showing that he was very competitive and I imagined he would be – he recalled – Then with Iannone I even risked crashing. Fortunately, nothing happened to me.”

Then it was Petrucci’s turn.

I hoped that Danilo would slow down, but instead he maintained a high pace for the entire race, so I had to push, partly because I couldn’t afford to relax. Among other things, Rossi was arriving too. I must say that Danilo was good.”

Now his thoughts are on Mugello.

I am leaving France very happy because I really wanted to do well in these first two European races – Marc said – In Italy it will be a hard weekend, because a lot will depend on the conditions we find. In the tests, I felt good. In fact, we worked on the setup, but we’ll need to wait.”

With this success in France, Marquez matches Stoner’s 38 wins in the top class.

I am very excited to have the same number of wins as Casey, since he is one of the greatest riders ever – he concluded – I’m lucky he retired because if he hadn’t, he would have made the history of this sport.”

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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