Aprilia Racing's Marco Bezzecchi (left) and Ducati Lenovo Team rider Marc Marquez during a press conference yesterday.
DOHA: Marc Marquez is within reach of another world championship crown, but the Ducati Lenovo Team rider is taking nothing for granted as MotoGP heads to Lusail International Circuit for the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar this weekend.
The Spaniard arrives with his first match point of the season, knowing that a successful weekend could secure his 10th world title overall and eighth in the premier class. However, despite being aware of the numbers, Marquez insists his focus remains on building his weekend rather than rushing towards the championship celebrations.
Aprilia Racing rider Jorge Martin arrives at the Lusail International Circuit.
“I know the numbers: 30 and 8. I know them, but it seems far off. I think too many things have to happen, and it would be a mistake to think about the title now or to get the urge, the anxiety, to win it right away,” Marquez said during yesterday’s press conference at Lusail International Circuit.
“Little by little; we’re closer than we were in Malaysia, yes, but it doesn’t mean we’re within reach. I still feel we’re far away. Many things can happen, many things can occur, and we need to stay calm, with the same concentration and the same mindset as always.”
Marquez needs to outscore closest title rival Jorge Martin by 30 points across tomorrow’s sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix, while also gaining at least eight points on third-placed Marco Bezzecchi, to seal the championship in Qatar.
Otherwise, the battle will continue to the final two rounds in Portimao and Valencia.
MotoGP track action gets underway today at Lusail International Circuit, with the first practice session scheduled for 14:45 local time, followed by the main practice session at 19:00.
The seven-time MotoGP champion, who won both races at Lusail last year, is aware that the circuit has not always been among his strongest venues.
“The mentality is the same as always: think that the competition will be stronger than ever. If they’re weaker, that’s a bonus, but like I did in Malaysia, I’ll try to go flat out from the first free practice, find the limits, stay focused, and then, during the weekend, we’ll see where the opponents put us,” he said.
Martin awaits medical clearance
Martin’s participation remains a major talking point ahead of the weekend. The Aprilia rider fractured his right wrist less than two weeks ago at Phillip Island and was unable to progress beyond practice at Sepang last weekend.
Although he is feeling better, Martin must pass a medical assessment today before being cleared to ride.
“I am feeling much better. I am getting my strength back. I will try to ride in the best way possible. Let’s see if I can race,” Martin said. Describing his recovery, he estimated his fitness had improved from around 20 percent in Malaysia to 50 percent now, adding that he hoped to complete consecutive laps today to assess his wrist ahead of Saturday.
“I need to be calm,” he said, while making no secret of his hopes of preventing Marquez from sealing the title this weekend.
Bezzecchi ready to fight
Bezzecchi, meanwhile, knows the task facing him is difficult but remains determined to keep the championship battle alive.
“It’s a difficult situation. The gap is big. My target is to go as fast as I can to keep the title race alive. Hopefully we can try to fight with the top guys,” the Aprilia rider said.
“It’s gonna be tough. The field is always tough.”
The Italian will be looking to make the most of a circuit where Aprilia could be competitive and put pressure on Marquez from the opening sessions.
There will also be changes to the grid. Marquez’s brother Alex will miss the Qatar round following shoulder surgery, with Iker Lecuona replacing him at Gresini Racing. Honda HRC Castrol have also confirmed that British rider Jake Dixon will replace Joan Mir, who withdrew from the Malaysian Grand Prix and is continuing his recovery at home.
Dixon, who recorded seven wins and 22 podiums in Moto2, will make his return to MotoGP machinery with the factory Honda team.
