MotoGP Gossip: Marquez names “my next big rival”

- Marc Marquez tips Fabio Quartararo to be his “next big rival” in the future in MotoGP. The pair produced battles for the race wins in Misano, Thailand and Valencia during the Petronas Yamaha rider’s rookie premier class campaign which has led to many tipping Quartararo for a world title attack in 2020. (AS.com)

- An earthquake hit the Mugello region earlier this week and the circuit has been temporarily turned into an aid centre for around 500 local residents. Initial reports indicate the Mugello circuit itself was not damaged by the earthquake. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Suzuki team manager Davide Brivio says both his squad and Alex Rins must deliver greater consistency for a stronger MotoGP world title challenge in 2020. Rins ended the year in fourth place in the riders’ world championship with two wins to his name but just three rostrum appearances across 19 races. (Speedweek)

- Marc Marquez has avoided sanction for missing the 2019 FIM Awards gala according to FIM President Jorge Viegas. It is specified in the FIM Sporting Code that world champions must attend the FIM Awards gala or face a penalty fine. Marquez was excused having undergone shoulder surgery four days before the gala, while he also provided a video message and sent his father Julia to receive the award of his behalf. (Marca)

- Franco Morbidelli guides the Yamaha Sepang Team to pole position for the inaugural Sepang 8 Hours in the Endurance World Championship with the race taking place this weekend at the Malaysian circuit. (Crash.net)