Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) had the hard tyre in the plan for the #QatarGP, but after a delayed start and shortened race distance, the rider from Cervera switched to the medium. Battling at the front of the field in the early stages in signature spectacular style, Marquez then dropped back slightly as he struggled with the front and just lost touch with the podium battle.
Formerly aiming for the podium or the victory with a little help from lady luck, the tyre switch meant the number 93 couldn’t brake how he wanted - so the Spaniard switched quickly to damage limitation: finishing the race and looking forward to Argentina.
Valioso 4° puesto después de un fin de semana difícil! ✊???? Valuable 4th place after a difficult weekend! #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/QFNbq2aZfM
— Marc Márquez (@marcmarquez93) 26 March 2017
MM93, P4: “We were aware that we struggle a bit at this track, but as always we kept a positive attitude, as we also knew that if everything was in place, we could have fought for the podium or even the victory. I think we worked well over the weekend, and we had everything clear for today. Our plan was to use the harder front compound, but the chaotic situation with the rain and the continuous delays created many doubts. In the end we decided to go with the medium front, aiming to reduce the risk of crashing, but this turned out to be our biggest mistake of the weekend. I struggled with the front the entire time; I couldn’t brake hard and after few laps the tyre was already wearing off. We continued to have some small issues with acceleration, but even so I had a good feeling with my bike. But with that tyre choice, I wasn’t able to gain on braking. That’s my strongest point, so I decided, okay let’s finish this race and Argentina will be another race.”