Marquez in contention at Aragon, but FP2 ‘crash changed a little bit the plan’

As has been the case several times this season, Marc Marquez showed impressive speed early on before suffering another free practice crash. 

The eight-time world champion topped FP1 from the outset until the end, but while the Spaniard started FP2 in a similar way, an unnecessary turn 16 crash followed a few moments later which meant changing to a hard rear tyre as opposed to the soft he started the session with.

Marquez has favoured the soft tyre in recent races and was unable to produce the type of pace seen from Joan Mir, Fabio Quartararo or Francesco Bagnaia with the hard rear tyre. 

Speaking about the crash and the effect it had, Marquez added: "It’s true that the plan changed a bit because of the crash. The plan was to use the soft tyre in 1st, 2nd run to understand for the race distance. 

"But on the other hand we tried the hard rear tyre. But it didn’t change the plan for the race weekend because we understood a few things. 

"It’s true with the crash I was angry. I felt under control. I went wide, said, ok, give up. But on the dirty track I lost the front. 

"I was angry for that. I knew with that crash I didn’t follow the plan, but it was a situation I felt under control but lost the front in a place I didn’t expect."

A common theme for Marquez of late has been trying various chassis evolutions, and the Spanish rider is aiming to use the next two races + Misano test to finalise the direction he needs for next season.  

"Now the next races especially this one, Misano and the Misano test, we need to understand which way to follow for the future in the chassis area," added Marquez. 

"The other Honda riders are using another chassis and are going in another way. But when they try my way, sometimes they like it, sometimes they don't. 

"Still we are a little bit confused. But from my side of the box everything is a bit more clear. 

"Just I need to understand well between here and Misano which direction for my riding style we need to take."