Reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez was the only front-running rider to gamble on using Bridgestone’s hard compound rear tyre during today’s opening Qatar round and it was a decision made five minutes before the sighting lap.

The Repsol Honda man received some raised eyebrows from his crew but said that he struggles a little at the end of races as his riding style tends to wear out the softer option. It turned out to be bang on the money as he was able to fend off Valentino Rossi for the win - with a still-broken leg.

“I enjoy the last laps with Valentino. Last year we had or first battle here, he won it, this year it was the second, it was great and I hope to have more battles in the future,” said Marquez, speaking at Qatar.

“My question mark was over the second part of the race. The leg was not the biggest problem, that was the right arm as I didn’t have enough power in my leg so I push more with my arm. I was tired after six laps but the important thing I was ok in the beginning and the last ten laps where I attack more.

“There were a lot of crashes on the front and then I lose a little confidence about the front but maybe everyone has those problems. It was a tricky race. In the end, I think I had a small advantage with the hard tyre and my mechanics looked at me funny when I choose it five minutes before the race.”