Marquez: 'Bike and I are in a very good position'

Having strengthened his MotoGP title lead by splitting the factory Ducatis in their home Mugello race, Marc Marquez now heads for his home ground of Barcelona this weekend.

Ducati took dominant wins at the power-hungry Mugello and Barcelona circuits last year, with Jorge Lorenzo, but Marquez's ability to match the Desmosedicis last time out means there is no clear favourite ahead of this weekend.

The Repsol Honda rider crossed the line just 0.043s behind first-time winner Danilo Petrucci in Italy, resisting the temptation of a victory lunge to ensure he kept title rival Andrea Dovizioso at bay.

Marquez is now twelve points clear of Dovizioso heading into Barcelona - where the five time MotoGP champion finished runner-up to Lorenzo a year ago, while Dovizioso fell.

“We arrive in good form after Mugello. The bike and I are in a very good position now, I was able to rest a little between races and I’m back to full strength," Marquez said.

"There’s always a bit more excitement heading into a home GP and it's always a great pleasure to ride in front of all the fans.

"I’m hopeful of another strong result here in Catalunya to continue the work we’ve been doing.”

An official post-race test will be held at Catalunya on Monday.