The LCR driver battled for form in his 2020 rookie season on the RC213V, cracking the top 12 on the grid only twice throughout the campaign.
The Honda is usually a difficult bike to get the most out of during a time attack, but Marquez believes he’s made a step forward in this area for 2021.
However, at the Qatar GP last weekend, from which he retired, he only managed to get 16th on the grid and admits that he still needs to understand how to better maximize a fresh tire.
“It was pretty difficult last year,” he said of Honda’s qualification.
“This year it’s a little easier with the electronic improvements in one round.
“It’s not easier now, but we missed less, about two tenths, not like last year when we had a second off.
“Maybe the Honda isn’t the easiest bike to ride on a lap, but I also have to take a step forward with the new tire.
“In the past I was good on one lap in Moto2. I am a little worried because it is important, but in time I will understand and hope it doesn’t take too long.”
Pol Espargaro, Repsol Honda Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Qualifying is a problem for Marquez ‘substitute Pol Espargaro, who finished 12th on his motorcycle debut last weekend.
Espargaro says he is still “far” from where the bike has to be to fight for better positions. The Honda driver could only recover to eighth place last Sunday, although his pace is comparable to that of race winner Maverick Vinales on the Yamaha.
“It’s the point that worries me the most,” he replied when asked about qualifying.
“When we see the lap times, we’re very, very close to Maverick at racing pace – super close, more than I expected.
“But then in the fast lap times [in qualifying]We’re way, way, way too far.
“But exactly the same goes for the Ducatis: take a look at Jack, for example [Miller’s] Lap on Saturday and where he was in the race (started fifth, finished ninth) or Valentino [Rossi] and where he finished the race (started fourth, finished twelfth).
“For me, the first priority at the moment seems to be a round on Saturday.
“Actually, I can more or less explain why it happened.
“I rode for seven days [at Losail], but how many times have I made the time attack?
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“Before Saturday I attacked 12 times. Just go to the limit 12 times, that’s nothing.
“So that’s the point I’m looking for and analyzing why and how we can do a better job on Saturday.
“And if we can do that, Sunday will be a lot easier than it used to be and we can fight for something much bigger.”