Marc Marquez: We can’t rely on what we did in the past

Like Sachsenring, where Marc Marquez and Honda returned to the top step of the podium for the first time since 2019, Aragon is also an anti-clockwise track where the Spaniard has an enviable record of past victories.

Winner during his rookie 2013 MotoGP season, the Repsol Honda star has been unbeaten at Aragon – situated just two-hours from his Cervera home - since 2015.

While he missed last year's races due to arm injuries, Aragon proved to be Honda's most competitive event of 2020 courtesy of pole position for Takaaki Nakagami and a podium by Alex Marquez.

Nonetheless, Marquez certainly doesn't feel like the rider to beat heading into this weekend.

“Aragon is always a track that I enjoy racing at and we have had strong results there in the past," said Marquez. "But we can’t rely on what we did in the past, in 2021 we arrive there in a different situation so have to approach the weekend in the correct way, see our level and see what our opponents are doing.

"It’s great to be back racing at MotorLand after missing the rounds in 2020 and hopefully we can put on a good show for the fans. In recent races we have been closer to the front so the aim is to continue this and see what’s possible on Sunday.”

While Marquez - whose next-best result after the Sachsenring win is just seventh place - had a race to forget last time at Silverstone, tangling with Jorge Martin on the opening lap, team-mate Pol Espargaro celebrated his best showing in Repsol colours with pole position and a fifth place.

“I am very excited to be riding in Aragon, the weekend in Silverstone was a great one for us," said Espargaro. "In the past the Honda has been the bike I was trying to beat in Aragon and now I am riding it, so I am very interested to see what we can do together this weekend.

"We are arriving in a good moment after the strong Silverstone weekend and I am excited to go racing again. Let’s keep working to finish the season strongly and keep learning.”

Espargaro is currently 14th in the world championship, but now only seven points behind the top Honda of Marc Marquez (who missed the opening Qatar rounds).