Reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez sacrificed pole position at Motegi today in order to get in some laps with slicks on a drying track in case of a flag-to-flag situation in Sunday’s race.
The championship leader set a blistering opening lap to secure top spot on the timesheet and then pitted for a swap to slicks while Valentino Rossi did the exact opposite after he found the track to be too wet and cold for anything other than wets.
Marquez didn’t think his 1’53.903 would last as the opposition went out on the extra-soft rear provided by Michelin but wanted to ‘learn things’ about the track with slicks on.
“Of course was too early in the end, when we finish the practice we realise, but in the end I did a good laptime in the first lap already with the soft tyre," said Marquez, speaking at the track.
“I was thinking to put the extra-soft to improve the laptime. But when I stop in the box, I take the gamble. I say 'okay, I want to try slick' because was so close. I try, I understand many interesting things, but in the end I couldn't have the chance to fight for pole position.
“But for me was not the most important. In the end, work for the race is important, front row was the main target. We are there, so we'll see tomorrow because during all weekend I feel good on the rain conditions but tomorrow can be flag-to-flag, can be dry, you never know.”
