Marquez 'faster, more constant, so happy'

Marc Marquez has revealed he has principally been focused on assessing two new engines that Honda has brought to Malaysia, and felt he began to make some real headway on the second day of MotoGP testing at Sepang.

The reigning world champion ended Monday with the seventh fastest time after a mid-day break spent analysing parts that he had tried in the morning. Those changes ensured Marquez “started to enjoy" the afternoon's action, even if a small crash at the close of the day curtailed his track time for the day.

Marquez 'faster, more constant, so happy'

Marc Marquez has revealed he has principally been focused on assessing two new engines that Honda has brought to Malaysia, and felt he began to make some real headway on the second day of MotoGP testing at Sepang.

The reigning world champion ended Monday with the seventh fastest time after a mid-day break spent analysing parts that he had tried in the morning. Those changes ensured Marquez “started to enjoy" the afternoon's action, even if a small crash at the close of the day curtailed his track time for the day.

“Today the feeling was much better,” said Marquez. “I started to enjoy it. Of course, in the beginning of the day we were a little bit on the same plan like yesterday. Then we stopped at midday, started to analyse everything and put the best things on the bike.

“There is where I started to be a little bit faster and more constant. I’m so happy. There are still a few points we can improve. Still I’m not 100 percent comfortable. But about the rest, happy.

“Basically we concentrate on the new ones, [one of which arrived at] the last test. But of course we work on the one that is a step [forward] from Valencia. We forget a little bit the old engine – the 2017 engine – and we concentrate on two bikes.”

On the differences between the two engines, Marquez offered, “One looks more to the top power. The other one is a little bit in the bottom. Of course, it’s very important to see the character of the engine, tyre life, these kinds of things.

“Here, if you have a powerful engine with good acceleration then the lap time is coming alone. But it’s a very special circuit here. Just two or three circuits are like this. Just the other circuits are completely different so it’s important to understand.”

“This circuit sometimes you can make a big mistake. Always here if you have more power or more torque you are faster and you feel better. It will be important tomorrow to decide which engine is the best one.

“It looks like all of the riders go to the new one. Honestly I still have some doubts. The new engine has some points that maybe on a different circuit we can struggle.”

On Honda’s new aerodynamic package that was sampled for the first time today, Marquez said the day’s testing was inconclusive: “It looks like the main target of the new fairing is to try and stop the wheelie and have more down-force. Then you lose a little bit of the top speed.

“Of course, braking stability if you have wings is better but when you start to go in, it’s harder, the bike. Also in fast corners it’s a little bit harder but it’s what I said. With the new fairing we need find a good bike balance. For one lap, I can ride well, fast. But to be consistent I’m scared of overheating the front tyre or something like this.”

Summarising the day, Marquez added, “I feel really good, especially in the afternoon in its place. During the time when it was hottest, I did my best lap time. Unluckily I put the new tyre in too late and it was already raining. I pushed and it was too wet for the tyre.

“Anyway, about the rest, I’m happy because we did a great job. Still there are many things to do. Still in some areas I’m struggling a little bit but everything is on its way.”

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