Alex Marquez: 'Something was wrong with the aerodynamics'

Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez may have been cagey about naming the exact cause of Honda's turning difficulties in pre-season testing.

But new team-mate and younger brother Alex has confirmed it was indeed the aerodynamics.

Marc eventually made a 'great step' on the very final day of pre-season testing in Qatar, when he was seen trying last year's fairing.

"I had a strange crash in Malaysia, a strange crash here [in Qatar] and I didn't understand anything. But today we understand everything," Marc had said. "Once more it's the last day in Qatar that we find the way!"

Speaking to SkySport.it, Alex confirmed: "We did good tests in both Valencia and Jerez [last year], while in Malaysia there was something wrong with the aerodynamics. A feeling confirmed in Qatar, where Marc found the solution on the last day.

"That test wasn't easy, I can't wait to come back soon and feel good with Honda."

Exactly when Alex will get to make his MotoGP race debut depends on how soon the coronavirus restrictions are eased.

"The calendar at the moment I think is not realistic," said the reigning Moto2 champion. "It will certainly be a very different season than usual. If we start in August, we will be able to do 10-15 races.

"They will certainly be races without fans, and this will be strange, but the important thing is that people stay at home for now. For us riders it is essential to stay 100% physically fit, because we don't know when we will start.

"It is not easy for a rookie to stay still for a long time, but we must remain calm and competitive. This situation is the same for everyone."