A second row with a fifth time is not what fans expect from Marquez, especially since his teammate Pol Espargarò took pole. But the statement by the eight-time world champion that this is his goal is unsettling. However, he explained his reasons and clarified everything.
“I drive better step by step. I feel better and we improve little things and we are close to the best, ”he said, adding,“ The most important thing is that we have improved. We are improving on all routes. And that’s better than a single win at the Sachsenring. We are competitive in Austria and now here at Silverstone. Then we will find out more about Aragon and Misano, the routes to come. To be honest, the best session of this Grand Prix was qualifying. A fifth time and the second row were the goal. I’ve put some energy aside for tomorrow. “
Also because he didn’t quite forget his fall at 270 km / h on Friday.
“My eyes are much better now. It was stupid, but it bothered me a lot. I suffered a minor injury from rubbing it and I had sand on my cornea. They had to keep my eyes closed all afternoon, but as I said in qualifying, they weren’t a problem, unlike yesterday when they cried a lot. Then of course there is a little bit of the aftermath of the fall. I hurt a little. “
Today Pol proved that the bike works well, but the important date is tomorrow.
“Pol is a fast driver. We were quick from the start, so this is a good opportunity. I congratulated him because the results cost him more than he thought. The Honda is a critical and difficult motorcycle. I can’t take full advantage of it right now, but we have to work to make it more competitive. “
Among the adaptation tests today was a scooter-type rear brake.
“Yes, we tried the thumb brake today, but I wasn’t comfortable because I don’t use it much. For qualifying I switched back to the normal footbrake because I feel safer and also a little faster. “
Did you by chance consult the ophthalmologist who operated on you years ago?
“It was available, but it wasn’t necessary.”
How does it feel to be Marc Marquez and not be able to leave one hundred percent?
“It’s difficult, but you have to accept it. Of course I can’t drive, I make a lot of mistakes, but little by little we’re even getting closer on different tracks. What we don’t need is to be fast on one track and not on the other. But it’s better that way than winning one and missing three. “
The crash yesterday was impressive in terms of speed. Where do you place it in your fall ranking?
“Ranking of yesterday autumn? I have to think about it … it was a strange crash. On the first lap the tire was maybe a bit cold and I was slower than usual … I don’t know. The one in Jerez in 2020 was certainly worse. “
Do you have a strategy or predictions for the Grand Prix?
“Everything will depend on the pace of the race. When it is fast it becomes very stressful for the tires. The slower they are, the greater the chance of managing them. It’s going to be interesting because Quartararo and Bagnaia have good pace, then there is Pol, me, Martin, Miller, we have a similar pace. It depends on the pace and the strategy. What do i expect A podium would be a good result, thinking of a win would be unrealistic. “