Marquez 'excited' to race in Thailand, title nears

Marc Marquez will have the chance to put one hand on the 2018 MotoGP title at this weekend's inaugural Thailand MotoGP.

Marquez's hard-fought Aragon victory, his first win since the summer break, has given the Repsol Honda rider a 72-point lead over Andrea Dovizioso with just five rounds and 125 points up for grabs.

While it's not mathematically possible for Marquez to win the title this weekend, if he can again outscore Dovizioso it would give him a realistic chance of clinching the crown at the following Japanese Grand Prix, Honda's home event.

“It will be exciting to race in Thailand for the first time; for sure there will be many fans in the grandstands, which is always a nice feeling," said Marquez, who has won the MotoGP title in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.

"We must remain focused and calm though, as it will be important to manage the weekend well, working in the way that we’re used to doing."

Marquez was a close third fastest, behind team-mate Dani Pedrosa and Tech3's Johann Zarco, during February's pre-season test at the Buriram track.

However Michelin will bring a new rear tyre design this weekend, 'to contend with high temperatures that will be generated' at the Thai track.

"We had a good test in February but we’ll need to recheck every detail starting on Friday morning," Marquez said. "Some parts of the circuit are tricky, but the layout in general is nice.

"Surely the high humidity and temperature are going to be demanding on the body, but when you get on the bike you just forget those things and simply focus on riding.”