McPint on Marquez’s chances
A bit more maturity will see a less do-or-die approach to racing
I’m dead excited about MotoGP. I’ve been following the testing in Qatar and it’s been interesting, but it’s a real shame Marc Marquez won’t be back at the first round this weekend. In many ways it would’ve been a good track for him to come back on because it’s not the most physical. You get a rest down the straight and it’s quite flowing. I’ve done an 8-hour endurance race there and it wasn’t too bad. It’d still be tough on his arm though, and I think the whole injury and the recovery has been a massive wake up call because trying to be super human has backfired a little bit.
The first round can bring out some wacky results, but whatever happens in Qatar by the time the season gets back to Europe and settles down Marquez will be there. My money is still on him to be the champion. Ultimately his luck ran out when he crashed last year, he just pushed it a little bit too far and now he’s back from such a big injury he might actually be a better rider for it. He might be a bit more sensible and take finishes rather than thinking he has to win everything. Seeing his brother crashing and upsidedown five times in testing will have got his attention, too.
I think his rivals will need to show they’re not scared of him, especially riders like Jack Miller – he’ll be looking to stand up to him, if he passes you then you go straight back at the next corner. Rossi used to do that didn’t he? But I’m not sure riders like Viñales or Morbidelli will able to fight with Marquez.
Only a few days now and I can’t wait for it all to get started!
‘His rivals will need to show they’re not scared of him’