The Repsol Honda light suit is not everything in a competition as tough as MotoGP. Especially this year, where the gaps seem to have seriously narrowed between the competitors, if we refer to the results of the three days of testing spent at Sepang. Furthermore, riding an RC213V is not a gift for a beginner and even less so at the moment, given the problems encountered by both Crutchlow and Marc Marquez. But Álex Márquez has signed and he will therefore have to cope. After having lapped the Malaysian track both at the “shakedown” and during the IRTA test, he knows a little more about what awaits him this season…
The newcomer to MotoGP Alex Marquez takes stock of its Sepang tests. From his difficulties in harmonizing with the official Honda to his expectations for the season opener in Doha on March 8, the reigning Moto2 World Champion tells us everything.
Alex Marquez, is only in 18th place in the combined three-day test table at Sepang. But it is true that he is in a clan Honda who has yet to find his feet. We will therefore recall that his older brother Marc lost a little less than 0,7 seconds on fabio quartararo (Petronas Yamaha).
As a result, the Spaniard could still be satisfied: “ my speed is good. There are still things to do and improve. We are 0,6s behind the top here, maybe a little more in race pace. But I think we are on the right track. In Doha we will change the bike and adjust it in a different way, because it could be better for me. »
The younger brother of Márquez also surveyed the MotoGP paddock: “ it seems like Suzuki and Yamaha are very fast in terms of pace over a long period of time. We have problems with grip and cornering speed at Honda. The information at Honda is clear. However, I think we have a lot of potential for improvement. »
Alex had a long run on Saturday. “ I had a problem Sunday afternoon. I did 20 laps on Sunday. Physically it is certainly very difficult. But I've spoken to a lot of MotoGP guys who all say it's always difficult here. Especially for a beginner it is a very demanding thing because the break has been long and it is hot. It is not easy to exercise the muscles. But I felt good until the 20th lap. We definitely did a good job with my trainer in the winter. »
The Spaniard finishes: “ at the moment we are in a zone between tenth and fifteenth place. It is reality. I have no particular expectations for Doha. The Qatar test will be important and we will see if we can prepare well for the race. »
MotoGP, Sepang J3 Test: times
