Qatar GP – Marquez (2nd): "I had to try something!"

Marc Marquez leaves Losail with the feeling of a job well done, having tried everything until the last corner to win against Andrea Dovizioso at the 2018 Qatar GP. The reigning world champion is delighted to be so competitive on a track he does not like. Debriefing.

Marc Marquez, Honda-Repsol (2nd in qualifying and 2nd in race): "I had to try something, otherwise I wouldn’t have slept! I got closer to Dovizioso, I delayed my braking as best I could … but he did better than me. I think whatever. Either way, he would have been able to beat me before the finish line. Andrea deserves this victory, he was simply faster than us. ".

• Qatar GP:
• Qatar GP – 
• Qata GPr: 

"For my part, I am very happy to finish this weekend in second place and to pocket 20 points. It is one of the most complicated circuits for us, and despite everything we were able to be There. And then I think it was a great race in terms of spectacle. It’s the kind of race that we like. ".

• Qatar GP –
• Qatar GP :

Site analysis : No, Marc Marquez does not make against a bad luck good heart by affirming to be very happy to finish second of the GP of Qatar 2018. Of course, a victory would have been even tastier, but the official Honda signs the air of nothing his best result on the Qatari track since its, his only success on this circuit in MotoGP.

The reigning world champion admits it: the Losail track has been a problem for him since his debut in Grand Prix, although he has also won there in. Finishing second therefore appears "like a victory on such a difficult track for us, even if it is not 25 points scored", assures the n ° 93..

In other words: Marc Marquez is delighted to see that his Honda is competitive enough to win on a circuit which is normally unfavorable to him. Which in theory implies that the defending champion will be very comfortable – even unbeatable ?! – on tracks he likes, like for example Austin where will take place after the Argentine GP !

Another positive aspect: not only did his official RC213V keep pace with the Ducati of Dovizioso, but the 4th place of Cal Crutchlow at 2.881 sec from the winner completes the demonstration that the 2018 Honda are indeed in the game! In these conditions, it is the 7th place of Dani Pedrosa at more than 4.5 sec that arouses some disappointment…

"Pedro", at the end of the contract with Honda, will have to correct the situation as soon as possible, under penalty of fueling rumors of his replacement in 2019 by … Johann Zarco! This hypothetical arrival of the French pilot within the prestigious HRC is also not viewed with a negative light by Marc Marquez himsef…

"I want the team-mate Honda thinks is the strongest," the No.93 replied wisely about the possibility of teaming up with Zarco next year. "I think it’s good to have a very competitive, high-level rider in the pit. It’s better to improve the bike, it’s better for the team and for the atmosphere".

Judging Johann Zarco "impressive", Marc Marquez however insisted that he had no say in the choice of his future teammate: "it will obviously be a decision of Honda", eludes the reigning world champion , who managed his first race with his usual enthusiasm until the last corner !

"I knew Andrea was the fastest so my goal was to control him and stay behind at all costs," he said. "When Dovi passed Johann, I was at the limit to follow him and I touched Zarco‘s motorcycle", Marquez continues to testify to the risks taken to stay in contact with his rival.

As usual, the hot Catalan was able to recover after this slight contact with the Tech3 rider in order to carry out a final attack on the Ducati. But as in and last year, it was Andrea Dovizioso who had the last word by crossing the trajectory again to counter the Honda rider’s attack on the last corner (n ° 16) and win for only 27 thousandths !

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