It was 27 crashes in 2017 for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), and the reigning Champion says that FP2 is the time to push and try and find the limit – something that also rang a little true on Day 1 in Jerez this season. Fast all day but not fastest, the rider from Cervera took a tumble in the afternoon.
“I was on very used tyres,” explains Marquez, quickly finding the silver lining, “but even with a lot of laps on the front and rear I had a good rhythm low 39s, which is more important. Then I braked too late and I crashed, but now I know for Sunday!”
That’s another recurring theme in ‘Marquez style’ – finding the limit before the lights go out for the race. So crash aside, how does the number 93 debrief their first day on track?
“On Day 1 the general feeling was very, very positive,” he smiles. “I enjoyed it on the track and this is the most important thing. I’m happy with how I feel on with bike, and we’ll see if we can improve or make another step tomorrow.” That includes some more tyre combinations to try, as the Repsol Honda rider explained the program so far: “This morning I tried soft front, soft rear, then in the afternoon I tried medium front, medium rear so tomorrow will be the time to try hard front, heard rear. I want to check everything, it will be important to choose the right tyre and to do that, you need to try everything!”
‘Trying everything’ is another phrase apt for the reigning World Champion, and with all four riders in front of Marquez on Friday within a tenth of a second, every step counts and everything can make a difference. Can the number 93 unleash his pace to take pole on Saturday? Find out from 14:10 (GMT +2) as he fights for the front on the 10th anniversary of his first points in the Grand Prix paddock.