This post-qualifying press conference today brought together Johann Zarco, Marc Márquez, Danilo Petrucci, Alex Marquez and Niccolo Antonelli.
As usual, we report here our translation of the entirety of Marc Marquez's remarks, without journalistic distortion.
Since the start of the weekend, your name hasn't always been at the top of the standings, but you did an excellent lap during qualifying. Are you surprised that all three were able to do this despite the bad conditions and the wind?
Marc Márquez : “yes, of course, I am very happy to be on the front line because my main objective was to be on the 2nd line, not necessarily very far. But regardless, we knew that if everything was in its correct place, I could normally be very strong on a lap. And yes, when you see that it's the qualification, you always try to take something in yourself, and it was like that.
Honestly, Zarco deserves pole position. He attacked in front and was faster than everyone. But yes, I was able to do a very good lap, and the pace is also not bad. But the most important thing is tomorrow and I think the fastest guy is not here. It's Andrea and he has a very good rhythm. He is the favorite for the race. »
Potentially there are around 10 drivers for the podium…
“It’s impossible to say who will be there. The race is very, very long, but if you analyze the rhythms of FP4, everyone has the same rhythm. Everyone is in 1'55.5, or 6, or 7. Maybe Danilo and Andrea are a little bit faster, but regarding the race, I'm happy because we worked a lot to try to understand the tires. In FP4 we also had a medium rear to help us understand, and it seems that everything is clear for us regarding tomorrow. The key will be to be there during the first lap, then we will see for the rest of the race. »
How do you explain that three of you broke the circuit record on the same day?
“I agree with Johann (see here). "
You were behind Alex Rins and the Suzuki during qualifying. Do you think he pulled you over and do you think the Suzuki could be dangerous for racing?
“Yes, during one lap, I was behind Rins, a little far away, and I expected that there wouldn't be enough space to go all the way around because there were other guy in front. Then, yes, at turn #6, I had already caught up with him and I tried to overtake him, but it's quite difficult during qualifying because everyone brakes very late. This bothered me. So maybe I could have won something, but honestly it benefited me more than it bothered me because he was in front of me as a reference. So I was happy with my turn.
As for the Suzuki, yes, I think it can be there in the race. I followed him (Rins) and of course he made some mistakes during this lap, but I already said it yesterday and Thursday at the press conference, Suzuki is ready to get on the podium, especially at this circuit . »
How did you manage the wind, particularly on the straight?
“Yesterday the wind was coming from the opposite direction and, at the beginning, you needed to understand which point was more difficult and which point was better. Perhaps the most dangerous point is wheelies, because normally in MotoGP you do long wheelies, and there the wind pushes you (sideways) and you can lose the front. But regarding the wind, honestly, I sometimes scared myself a lot more in Australia than today. »
Yesterday, Johann said he was in contact with the Repsol Honda team. Do you have any idea who your teammate will be next year?
“(Laughs) no! Of course it's Honda's decision, but I know it depends on HRC, and I want the strongest teammate they see. Because I think it's good to have a very competitive and high-level rider in the same garage, because to improve the bike, for the team, for the atmosphere, it's better. Dani is fast, he is very fast, and he will be very fast this season, but Johann is impressive, so I don't know. For me it will be OK. I've already signed so I'm happy (laughs). »
Are you satisfied with the new timetable?
“For me, it’s pretty good. I think it's better this year, especially because it's true that we only have two real sessions, FP2 and FP4, but on the other hand we already did tests here 2 weeks ago. So everyone knows the settings more or less, everyone knows the tires, and we have gained in safety. Maybe we lost two sessions but luckily we had a test here 2 weeks ago and it's not that important. We know that it's a special race, and I prefer it to be like this because we have gained in safety, especially for the time of the race. »
During FP3, we could see on screen that your team sent you a message indicating that you were being followed by the number 73. Did you see it and does it have a special meaning?
“(Laughs) you know, my team always makes jokes (laughs). They've already been joking all weekend. On this circuit my brother is very good while normally I suffer there, and they always tell me that maybe my brother could teach me something about the Qatar circuit. Then they said they were going to test the messages on the dashboard, then I saw the “73 is following you”. It was a good joke and I had a big smile under my helmet. Fortunately I returned to the box because I lost my concentration a little. »
Photo credit : MotoGP.com
