Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro met this Thursday in the place where the magic of the Repsol team happens: their laboratory in Madrid. After an interactive chat, the eight-time world champion confirmed that, although this year he is not in a favorable position to be one of the favorites, he considers himself a contender in the fight for the title: “Where I come from, not I can start as a favorite. It is not realistic. But I see myself as a candidate, because today it is difficult to choose a favorite in MotoGP, because every season is different, ”said Marc.
Marquez concluded positive tests in both Malaysia and Indonesia. However, 100% of the Cervera rider will be far from that of his rivals, who will have the advantage of being physically stronger. “I have come from two very difficult seasons. I have experienced the best of a sport and the worst. When you seem to come out of it, you face another injury, ”he said. “Now I’m in a good time, and if you ask me ‘how are you’ I can say I’m fine. I don’t know if I’m 100%, but I know you don’t have to be 100% to fight for the world championship, “he told Motorsport.com.
“I did very well in the tests and I arrive in Qatar ready to start. It’s a feeling I didn’t have two years ago, so I want to start off on the right foot and take it easy. I know that I will improve race after race. I have to be patient, “she added.
The Repsol Honda rider will compete in his tenth season in the championship this year, and over the years he has witnessed the entry and exit of several generations of riders, for whom he is a great reference: “It is true that all riders are rivals. and once on the track it doesn’t matter the name and the color, but it’s different to have fought as a rookie against the most veteran drivers, and then be the one with the experience and have the rookie who come and try to learn “.
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team
Photo by: Dorna
He also believes there is a lot to learn from newcomers to the category: “The rookies are very fast and they all drive differently. We have seen that very young riders can win a world championship the first year they pass to the category ”.
Marc confirms that he is moving to Madrid with the aim of keeping his arm “fresh”, as the doctors, his physiotherapist and his trusted coach are in the Spanish capital: “I have made a change in my personal life. I am moving to Madrid with the aim of keeping my arm cool as the doctors, my physiotherapist and my trusted coach are here. So, after all these years, I wanted a change of scenery. When I have no more motivation, it will be time to hang up my helmet “.
“It’s hard to see double and live with the uncertainty of not knowing if you’ll be able to run again, because it’s not your imagination, that’s what a doctor tells you. But when you get on a motorcycle you forget the past and only think about the goal you have in front of you and what you want to achieve “.
For Marc, having a safe personal and family environment was the key to his physical and mental recovery process: “In my case, I have never used a sports psychologist. For me, mental health is the environment. If the environment is good and non-toxic, for me it’s about mental health. In difficult times I look to my people. That’s where I really improve and get away from problems ”.
Finally, the Honda RC213V will start in Qatar with a new and charismatic design, very different from previous years: “As it is now, I think it is a bike ready to fight for the world championship. It is very different from what I am used to. It is a new concept and I had to bring it to my territory. During the season we will test frames and swingarms, to see what problems there are, but we already have a bike ready for anything ”.
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