MotoGP championship leader Fabio Quartararo could be the first rider without Marc Marquez to win a premier class Grand Prix at the Sachsenring since 2013 – there will be no race in 2020.
But even with Honda’s significant struggles this season and Marquez still not 100% fit, the Yamaha factory rider is not ruling out the eight-time world champion.
“For me, I think that he [Marc Marquez] will be there this weekend. I mean, it’s a track, if I’m not mistaken, he’s got ten wins and ten pole positions, “added Quartararo.
“He will be there and I think it will be an important moment for him. Right now I’m not really looking at him, but yeah, he sure will be quick. In the end, I’m just trying to figure it out on myself.
On the subject of matching items
“It’s a great moment for him to come back; a podium or a win for him will be a big confidence boost.
“I think everyone will try not to get Marc to the win or the podium to get a lot of confidence in him.”
On the subject of matching items
His compatriot Johann Zarco and 2020 champion Joan Mir also agreed with Quartararo’s prediction that Marquez will be a factor on Sunday.
But since all three drivers have their own podium ideas and are on different machines, it will be interesting to see which motorcycle adapts better to the unusual track layout, which includes 14 left turns on just four right.
It could well be Yamaha that is best positioned, as Maverick Vinales has been on the podium in the last two races in a row in Germany, while Jonas Folger was also on the podium in 2018 aboard the Tech 3 Monster Yamaha.
With the 2021 package an absolute weapon in Quartararo’s hands this year, there’s a clear reason to point out that he’s the favorite to core Marquez.
When asked if the track suits Yamaha, Quartararo said: “Yes! In the end, I think all the tracks work well with the bike.
“It’s a track I’m not really a fan of; we had great pace two years ago, but I crashed on the first or second lap.
“But I think our bike fits really well on all tracks. I’m really looking forward to it because if something happens that wasn’t really good in the previous races, you’re more ready to start a new race weekend.”