#JapaneseGP The press conference

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Four races from the end of the Championship, Marc Marquez, Andrea Dovizioso, Maverick Vinales, Aleix Espargaro, Takaaki Nakagami and Joan Mir gathered in Motegi for the traditional media conference.

Marc Marquez:

« We arrive at the Motegi route in good spirits, since we are coming off two victories. But you will have to remain careful, since the weather forecast is unstable. I like the route, even if I have often encountered difficulties in the past. Last year, we were quite fast: we won the race and took the title. No matter the conditions, I can't wait to start the weekend. You never know who your rival will be on Sunday; it could be Dani, Jorge or Valentino as well. Each meeting is different, but I feel good on the bike. We will therefore have to keep the same state of mind as well as the same way of working, to try to find the best basis for adjustments. The overseas tour is crucial and we will do our best. »

About Joan Mir: “Joan is a smart boy, he understands racing,” indicated the MotoGP World Champion. “He’s the only one who finished all the events this season. This means that apart from his talent and speed, he is also able to think on the handlebars of his motorcycle. I think he can be a MotoGP™ rider in the future because he has real potential. But for now, he knows what he must do. He must stay focused and keep the same mentality. He must not assume that the Championship is already acquired. He must take to the track to win the race, because he has enough margin to make a mistake. Worst case scenario, he will still have a comfortable lead. »

Andrea Dovizioso:  

“The Championship is perhaps not as close as in Aragón, but the gaps remain small”, recognized the Italian. “All three of us have our chance, because the situation can easily change. The strategy will be to attack: 100 points still remain to be distributed, so anything can happen. In the meantime I'm happy to be in this position. Of course, it won't be easy because my opponents are very strong, but I'm confident. I know what we accomplished this year. I don't know if we will be in contention for the title until the end, but we will stay focused and try to give everything. Motegi is a route that suits me. There is heavy braking there, a point on which we are particularly strong. And with the new fairing I think we can be competitive as well. We have a powerful engine, so we have some advantages. »

About Joan Mir: “ He was able to demonstrate his talent in all circumstances and was able to build a good lead in the Championship despite this being his second year in the world championship. confided the Ducati rider. “ He is very fast, even beyond his talent. A great career awaits him, that's for sure. Until now, he has always shown intelligence. Next year, he will change category. It's not easy, it requires a certain adaptation, but he has all the cards in hand to get there. »

Maverick Vinales:

“We will give our all to have a chance of beating Andrea and Marc. We suffered recently in the race because we opted for the wrong tire choice. Still, we are quite fast, but we still need to work and improve the bike. We will do our best even if the weekend promises to be difficult. I really like this circuit. Last year I was quite fast there, especially during the GP. So I'm curious to start. I've always been pretty strong on the overseas tour, I think that will be the case this year as well. I have more positives in Australia and Malaysia. We will see, our bike can work well for these three meetings. »

About Joan Mir: “ I think he has a very good approach to racing, which is one of the most important aspects, especially in Moto3,” recognized the Catalan. “ This allows you to learn a lot of things that will later be used in Moto2. He works well and is talented. He must stay focused and continue to work, as always. Moto2 is not an easy category, but I am convinced that he will shine there. »

Joan Mir:

“I’m very happy to be in this position. 80 points is indeed a lot, but we can also lose them. I think I'm going to do what I've always done, starting with the tests. We will see later. In any case, I am very motivated and proud of my career, but if I do not win the Championship, I will also be very disappointed. So we have to stay focused. I am of course very proud to hear all these compliments, from drivers who I consider my heroes. I would like to thank them all. »

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