Marc Marquez: “With Dovizioso, Vinales, Lorenzo, Rossi and Zarco, 2018 will be a fantastic year”

It was on the Motegi Circuit on the occasion of the Honda Racing Thanks Day that the MotoGP World Champion spoke with Federico Porrozzi to Moto sprint. Does Marquez agree with the theory that in this MotoGP leveled by the same tires and the same electronic box, the difference in the title fight is no longer determined by the best bike, but by the best rider?

“In recent years the regulations have changed and the driver has become more and more important, believes Marc. I like to think that those who drive best help make the difference, and not just in wet asphalt conditions. Until six years ago, it was the rider who aimed for the best bike. Now the opposite is happening: teams are looking for the best drivers. »

What image will you keep of your 2017 season?

“A picture divided in two: the first, from the first to the sixth race, is rather difficult: during these Grands Prix I spent time learning and refining the bike and I was not as fast as I wanted it. »

“The second image – apart from two unlucky races – was absolutely perfect thanks to the arrival of the new tire Michelin before, more efficient and more reliable than the previous one. »

“After Montmelò, we found the right balance in every way, a perfect balance of the bike which allowed us to make the difference until the last race. »

Can you provide an update on the first pre-2018 tests?

“We do not yet have all the information necessary to make a first complete estimate. I really like the engine. In the next tests we will know which solution will be most suitable for the 2018 season, while for the chassis, which is essential for working coupled with the engine, we will try to eliminate the normal doubts in future outings. »

Recently your name was combined with those of KTM et Ducati, and soon you will have to make a choice which will determine the second part of your career. How do you feel about it?

“When you win a World Championship, everything is easy and beautiful. In this “big Honda family”, I feel good here. I will always remember those who believed in me by bringing me to MotoGP, and taking a lot of risks by providing me with an official bike in the first year. »

“Despite this, when you have to sign a new contract you cannot close a door, you have to listen to everyone and make the right choice for you at that moment. »

At the age of 24, you have already won 6 World Championships. Do you ever think about early retirement like Rosberg's?

“I don’t think about that. I don't know if I will be able to last in this sport like Valentino, but I think I will run for a long time because I always have a great desire to win. As long as I have the stimulus and the mentality to do it, I will be on the track. »

How do you see the next season?

“It will be a fantastic year: Dovizioso will try again, Vinales and Lorenzo will improve, Rossi will want to prove that he is still strong and Zarco will no longer be a surprise. »

Photo © Repsol Media

Source: Federico Porrozzi for motosprint.corrieredellosport.it