MotorLand Aragón anticipates the return of Marc Marquez this weekend, after the Repsol Honda rider missed both MotoGP bouts in 2020.
A champion of the Teruel track, Marquez is hoping the anti-clockwise layout will alleviate the ongoing issues faced with his right arm, much like his Sachsenring success. The Spaniard, however, is aware it won’t be easy, and is certainly not resting on his laurels as he prepares for round 13.
“Aragon is always a track that I enjoy racing at and we have had strong results there in the past but we can’t rely on what we did in the past,” Marquez said ahead of the Alcañiz race. “In 2021 we arrive there in a different situation so have to approach the weekend in the correct way, see our level and see what our opponents are doing.
“It’s great to be back racing at MotorLand after missing the rounds in 2020 and hopefully we can put on a good show for the fans. In recent races we have been closer to the front so the aim is to continue this and see what’s possible on Sunday.
“I know that in FP1 I will feel very good but then it's something that during the weekend I need to understand,” he continued reflecting on his ongoing rehabilitation. “Is true that is a circuit that I like, layout that I like. Left corners will stress less the right arm but anyway we will see because sometimes also the position on the left corners is not completely natural. Anyway I just want to ride the bike and don't think a lot about the arm and other things,” he continued.
“Normally in the first laps always I try to find a good position but, of course, is not the same as fighting in the first lap, starting in first/second row, or third/fourth row. I mean, it's completely, completely different.
“It's true that during this year the first laps, sometimes I gain a lot of positions, sometimes I lose, but most of the time I gain and yes is one of my strong points and I need to take profit. But it's true that as soon as you improve the speed, as soon you start more in front, then everything becomes easier.
“At the moment, where I'm struggling more is in the fast lap - on the race pace more or less now I'm able to have a good race pace. For that reason also in the first laps I try to don't lose the front group, because if you lose the front group in the first laps then you miss the race.
“The struggling on the fast lap is a little bit combined - is because the shoulder, because with the new tyre, everything becomes more physical. I mean, when you have a lack of grip, then everything is moving. You have some movement and everything is softer, and you ride smoother, but in a fast lap with a very high grip, everything is more aggressive so that is where I'm struggling and still I am not able to take the profit of a new tyre."
