MotoGP Gossip: Honda will "always be Marquez's first choice"

Marc Marquez’s manager has claimed that Honda will “always be Marc’s first choice”. The Spanish manager went on the say “Marc never forgets that Honda was the manufacturer that gave him the opportunity to make his debut, to win races and MotoGP titles". - Eurosport

Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi says that the manufacturer “might be a little behind with the 2018 bike” but believes they can catch up. The Italian also claims that Yamaha are moving in the right direction and that “they’ll be competitive just like Honda". - GP One

Marc Marquez will not be participating in December’s Superprestigio Dirt Track in order to rest. The world champion said “The 2017 MotoGP season has been really hard and stressful, that’s why I feel especially happy and proud of my sixth title and fourth in MotoGP. The development of this season just now advises me to rest, I’ve been lucky enough to win twice, it is time for other Spanish pilots to do it". - Marca

Aprilia rider Scott Redding has revealed the main issue with the manufacturers new bike is traction. The British rider said “We need more grip to get into our speed range faster. But here I immediately felt more comfortable on this bike”. - Speed Week

Xavier Simeon believes he is steadily improving aboard Avintia’s Ducati GP16 and he is ’satisfied’ with his performance so far. The Belgian said “The track looks different form Moto2 and I have to change completely the riding style”. - Crash