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by Mattia Caimmi
Marquez is struggling with what we’re seeing in the last races: forced to look for a tow to reach some good times during the days before the race, and then try the feat on Sunday. We all know his strategy: preserve energy and give (almost) all he’s got in the race.
Although he’s back to his rescues, the ant from Cervera knows that the road to a full return to competitiveness is long but, as we all know, he doesn’t mince words and doesn’t look for excuses.
After the fall, you weren’t as incisive as before. What happened?
"Yes, I was fast this morning, following Fabio, but the speed was there. After the fall, I lost some confidence. At the second exit, I tried to ride alone but I fell, trying to figure out where I could push more and, after the fall, I couldn’t find that same feeling. Even in the Q2, it didn't go well, although I did my best. I think I’ll have a good pace tomorrow, but not one that will help me win or fight for the podium. I lost strength in my arm and shoulder with the fall, and I had to try to preserve my energy from a race perspective."
Is it hard to admit that you can't fight for positions that matter?
”No, it's easy. When you try to be fast like those up front and you either struggle or fall, you have to admit to yourself what your limits are. Even finishing ninth or tenth tomorrow wouldn’t be a surprise for us. It’s not great, but that’s how it is. Honda is working hard but, here in Europe, where the tracks are narrower, we struggle more."
The bike seems to struggle here more than in Jerez and Portimao. What's the difference?
"The track here is narrow, and you use acceleration a lot. In Qatar and Malaysia, where you take advantage of the whole track, we were more competitive. Braking to curve fast is where we struggle the most. I'm trying to figure out how to solve the problem and figure out what direction to take for development, but also where I need to improve to be more competitive."
Are you testing with bikes that have different set-ups?
"Today we used two different bikes to figure out what direction to take. I was fine in the morning but, in the fast laps, I struggled to understand how to make the most of the tires because, with the new tires, we’re missing a half or a whole second."
What are your feelings with the “new direction”?
“It’s more comfortable for me, even if the pace is similar. Some riders use this version. We could use it more in the future."
You said you're not at your best. Are you saving energy for more agreeable races?
"I feel good, but I don't ride like I want to. I have to preserve my energy over the weekend. The FP3s are one of the most important moments while, in qualifying, I have to survive."
