MotoGP Portugal, behind the scenes with Marc Márquez: “I wanted Qatar”

It's not long now until Marc Márquez makes his return. The Spaniard is already on his way to the Portimão circuit, where he’ll climb back on his Honda RC213V after a nine-month absence.

Márquez: "The aim is to work well"

The eight-time champion doesn’t hide his excitement. “It’s a great feeling to return to MotoGP, with my team and my bike. We’ve worked hard to achieve this goal, spending many hours in the gym and with my physiotherapist Carlos", states Márquez ahead of the Portuguese GP. "I’d have liked to be in Qatar, but in the end my doctors advised against it and I listened to them. I’ve focused on listening to the doctors and understanding my body in order to be able to come back to MotoGP and do what I love”.

"Portimão is not unknown to me, but the aim is to work well this weekend. Step by step we’re getting there and this is very positive after such a long break”.

An enthusiastic Pol Espargaró

Márquez will finally join team-mate Pol Espargaró in the garage. “We started at Qatar with some good data but without the kind of results we are looking for”, comments the former KTM rider, who scored 11 points over the two Losail rounds.

"Portugal will give me a chance to better understand the Honda, because it’s the first time I’ll ride at a circuit other than Losail. Portimão is a fun and very physical track, so l’m keen to ride the RC213V there. We need to continue to improve our performance and show our potential. Of course I’m excited to have Marc in the garage, he’s the reference in MotoGP and working with him will help us step up a level".

Translated by Heather Watson

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