Marquez: “Tomorrow we need to finish our job this weekend”

Reigning Champion starts from pole, feels good, and is raring to go on Sunday

Last season, the Red Bull Ring was a challenge for Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), as he fought to stay in the top five and found it a tough venue. In 2017, it’s a full volte-face as the points leader starts from pole and topped every session on Saturday despite a small crash.

Choosing the right rear tyre will now be the key for the rider from Cervera – who expects big competition on race day from both Ducati and Yamaha.

Marc Marquez, P1: “I’m feeling much better than last year at this circuit, so this is the most important thing. Last year we were struggling to be in the top five but this year it looks like we have a good rhythm; we tried many things and it looks like we have a good base. I have some doubts about the rear tyre because today I tried the medium and it seems like it has good potential - but with used tyres I feel good, I was riding well and that’s the most important. And to be on pole, after the race in Brno, gives me a good feeling and a good mentality. But I know tomorrow we need to finish our job this weekend. During the Brno test, more than improve at that track, we tried to find different setups that would work here and the team did a really good job, since FP1 when I went out and the bike was so much better than last year - completely different balance and I’m losing at some points but I’m gaining at a lot of points, which is more important. We are not losing in acceleration compared to our competitors. It looks like both Ducati riders have a good rhythm. Especially Dovi, and I think the Yamaha riders will be there. But tomorrow it looks like it will be warmer and choosing the right rear tyre will be important.”