Marc Marquez (6th) has little hope: “We’re a long way off the podium!”

Ahead of the British Grand Prix, champion Marc Márquez emphasised that his life would not change if he were to clinch another MotoGP title this year. For his rivals in the title race, however – who have never won a championship in the premier class – it certainly would. With this statement, he put the pressure on Ai Ogura, Marco Bezzecchi and Fabio Di Giannantonio – MM93 knows from experience how to conduct himself off the track as well as on it in order to win a world championship.

During Friday’s practice sessions at Silverstone, Marc Marquez showed good pace, but it was the Aprilia riders in particular who occupied the top spots. In FP1 at midday, the nine-time champion finished in 6th place; he also finished 6th in the MotoGP qualifying session in the afternoon. He was around seven-tenths of a second off Bezzecchi’s commanding fastest time.

How was his first day back after the summer break? “It was good. It was the sort of day we’d expected. It looks as though the Aprilia is strongest in the flowing corners – just like at Assen or here,” Marquez explained. “But we’re working in the right direction and doing our best. At the moment, we’re a long way off the podium. We’re close to the top five, but we’re not in the top five. That’s what we need to work on.”

Marc Marquez: “I’m more optimistic than I was at Assen”

Speaking of Assen: Marc Marquez hasn’t really taken to the Dutch circuit so far. This year, he finished 6th and 7th there. In terms of character, the TT Circuit, with its flowing corners, is similar to the Silverstone Circuit. Does he nevertheless think he can achieve a better result this weekend? “I think the potential here is slightly higher than at Assen. But I’m expecting a similar result. I am, however, more optimistic than I was at Assen.”

Why doesn’t he particularly like circuits like Assen or Silverstone – is it because the tracks are so fast, or does it have more to do with the bike? “Of course, every bike has its strengths and weaknesses. We’ve seen this season that the Aprilia is faster than us in flowing corners. In stop-and-go corners, on the other hand, we’re faster,” analysed Márquez. “Since 2013, I’ve always struggled on the same tracks because of my riding style – I have problems in flowing corners. At 33, I can still adapt a bit, but I simply have my own riding style. Last year I struggled in the same areas as this year. But back then I was able to make up the time. This year that’s not possible. Where I was strong last year, I’m now a bit slower. We all know the reason. We’ll see how I can deal with it. I’ll try to enjoy the weekend anyway – no matter what position I finish in.”

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