Marc relishing Austin
HAT-TRICK BID: MARQUEZ HAS WON THE LAST TWO RACES AT TEXAS TRACK
In contrast, world champion Lorenzo has not fared well.
Spain’s Marc Marquez, who has ruled the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas since 2013, will try to extend that dominance tomorrow and stretch his lead atop the MotoGP standings.
The Honda rider has won three straight in Austin – all from pole position. The run started in 2013, when his first victory at the age of 20 made him the youngest MotoGP race winner ever.
“It’s a track I like, where I feel strong, and where I’ve always had good races and good fun,” Marquez said of the fast track nestled in hills outside the Texas capital, which is hosting the only MotoGP race this season in America after the loss of Indianapolis.
Marquez, world champion in 2013 and 2014, arrives off a win in Argentina and an eight-point lead atop the standings over Italian rival Valentino Rossi.
Nevertheless, Marquez wasn’t feeling complacent.
“The track rewards strong acceleration, which hasn’t been one of our strongest points so far this year, so we’ll have to wait and see how we can manage the situation,” he said.
Austin has been less than hospitable to Rossi, who could be in for another tough week after battling to second place in Argentina.
That race saw riders change their bikes at half distance due to rear tyre issues, and Rossi’s second M1 encountered an issue with the rear that left him unable to challenge for the win.
Yamaha riders have struggled in Austin, and Rossi’s third place finish last year is his only podium place at Circuit of the Americas.
“We have to work hard in Austin because it’s crucial to understand quickly how bike, tyres, electronics and this track work together,” Rossi said.
“Historically it is a difficult circuit for us and for Yamaha, but last year I was able to land on the podium so I will try also this year.”
His team-mate and rival Jorge Lorenzo will try to bounce back from a forgettable outing in Argentina, where he failed to finish.
But the reigning world champion from Spain, who opened the season with a victory in Qatar, acknowledged that it will be tough.
“The Cota circuit is not one of my favourite tracks, nor for Yamaha,” he said. –