Testing at Valencia, Sepang and Portimao painted a nasty image for Honda as they bid to turn out to be MotoGP challengers once more.
Repsol Honda, which is probably the most profitable staff within the sport’s historical past, has not gained for the reason that Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Misano in 2021, whereas Marquez’s three wins this season stay the one three since profitable the title collectively in 2019.
However for Marquez, who’s lastly match to begin a MotoGP season after harm issues precipitated a rocky begin to 2021 and 2022, will likely be seeking to make an announcement on the Portimao spherical.
Marquez is but to win on the Portuguese circuit, and whereas such an end result appears unlikely primarily based on efficiency in pre-season testing, racing is a very totally different ball recreation in accordance with the eight-time world champion. .
“The beginning of one other season is right here, and you continue to get that pleasure and that feeling earlier than you get again to racing,” Marquez stated. “We have had a busy low season the place we have collected loads of knowledge and are trying forward.
“Now we now have to begin and concentrate on the opening races and keep in mind that races and follow are very totally different.
“This yr we now have the brand new problem of Dash Saturday, a brief and intense race which I’m certain will deliver loads of pleasure to the followers. I’m actually trying ahead to returning to the Honda RC213V for the eleventh season with the Repsol Honda staff.”
Joan Mir gears up for ‘dream’ MotoGP second with Honda
A world champion with Suzuki in 2020, which might have been a dream feat, Mir is about for an additional profession spotlight as he makes his first official look for Repsol Honda.
Calling it his ‘dream’, as Pol Espargaro did earlier than going by way of a nightmarish time with the Japanese producer, Mir hopes to make an even bigger and extra constant affect on the entrance of the peloton than what his fellow Spaniard has. completed.
Talking forward of the weekend, Mir added: “My racing debut within the legendary Repsol Honda staff colours is just some days away. It is a second I’ve dreamed of, racing on the grid as a Repsol Honda Crew rider.
“There’s nonetheless work to do, we nonetheless have issues to verify and enhance, however racing brings a unique depth.
“Let’s examine what we are able to do in Portimao, the vital level is to proceed to construct from the place we completed the take a look at and transfer ahead constantly.”
