Marquez ‘extra motivated’ following ‘great battle’ in Aragon

Following his incredible battle with Francesco Bagnaia during the Aragon MotoGP, Marc Marquez heads to Misano with added motivation. 

While the Spaniard ultimately played second best to the Ducati rider, it was a performance much like his victory at Sachsenring that highlighted his potential even without being fully fit. 

But unlike Aragon where Marquez was expected to go well based on his excellent record, Misano might not be as straightforward even though the eight-time world champion is ‘extra motivated’.

"After a great race and a great battle like in Aragon, you arrive at the next race with a bit of extra motivation," said Marquez.  

"Let’s see what this weekend will bring. In the past we have had some very good races here but it’s a demanding circuit. 

"Also after the race we have two days of testing which will be very important for us and for HRC as we keep working to improve. It’s going to be a busy week on my Honda."

Marquez’ team-mate Pol Espargaro was unable to continue his impressive form at Silverstone as he finished 13th in Aragon. 

However, the Spaniard feels ‘improvements’ in hotter conditions have been coming, and that the Misano test could play a big role going forward.

Espargaro added: "The forecast in Misano is looking hot so we know that we will have to work to improve our feeling to be closer to our Silverstone performance than our performance in Aragon. 

"We have been making improvements in this area, but we need to keep on working to show our potential and the potential of the bike. 

"I am also looking forward to the test, two days of just riding will be a big help because right now one of our biggest problems is the lack of testing we have had this year. Let’s make the most of it."