Repsol Honda's Marc Marquez kicked off his BritishGP weekend in unusual style, with a trip north as MotoGP’s eight-time World Champion went training with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

“I feel really lucky to have this day, to follow Manchester City training from up close,” Marquez said on his visit to the Premier League club. “It was impressive to see the way Pep coaches and trains the players. As a big fan of football, it was a pleasure. And it’s impressive where we are and how City are organised, trying to be the best team.

"Pep Guardiola is one of those people you try to analyse, to learn about him, the way he is, the way he speaks and the way he coaches. He’s a trainer, but for me the way he does it is impressive. It was a nice chat with him and we learned a few things!

“We were there talking nearly two hours, we talk about many things but was really nice because you can learn many things from Pep and one of the things was this one. The mental side. How to approach the situations and how to survive in the sports world.  

“He told me, and is the correct thing, is always the present. The people forget what you did in the past, and is not important what you did in the past, when you have a present. The present is where you need to show everything and this, about the mental side, is important to understand. When you retire you can think about the past, but when you are riding or when you are in the moment, you need to think about the present and this is what we are doing now.”

Returning to the matter at hand and MotoGP’s return to Silverstone for the first time in two years, the Repsol rider is excited but realistic of his prospects regarding his ongoing rehabilitation. 

“It will be great to see the British fans again after a year away. Racing in Austria with fans in the stands was enjoyable, so I am looking forward to doing it again in England!” he explained.

"Our position between the races has not changed, this weekend is again all about working to improve and seeing what’s possible on Sunday. Last race we had the speed and were able to fight, but Silverstone is a very different circuit, and many can be strong there.

“I'm not worried because always I try to be optimistic and just have faith, concentrate on the setup of the bike, on how to start the things we need to try, but I don't want to think about my arm. 

“Of course, if during the weekend I have some problems, then immediately we will try to fix, or you will feel immediately. Now this week, I feel okay with the arm at the moment so I train for me in a good way. Also with the physio, so everything is ready to start the weekend.”