Marquez: 'Our turn to go back to work, put on a show'

Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez is looking forward to going 'back to work' and putting on a 'great show' at Jerez this weekend.

Aiming to join Valentino Rossi on seven premier-class titles this season, which would leave only Giacomo Agostini ahead in the record books, the four-month racing delay caused by the coronavirus has at least allowed Marquez to fully recover from last year's shoulder surgery.

But while recent Motocross training has convinced the Repsol Honda rider about the strength of his shoulder, a question mark still hangs over how well the last-minute solution to the 2020 RCV's handling problems - found by reverting to the 2019 fairing on the very final day at the Qatar test - will transfer over to Jerez.

Marquez and Honda will get their first feedback during Wednesday's Official test, which precedes the race weekend.

“First I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped and worked hard during these strange times," Marquez said.

"Now it is our turn to go back to work, to put on a great show and entertain everyone around the world – give them some excitement and rest in these difficult times.

"Jerez is a circuit I know well and the test on Wednesday will be important because even though we have been able to ride some motocross and keep our fitness, there is nothing like a MotoGP bike.

"We need to adapt how we work to stay safe and healthy, but I am really excited to see the team again and enjoy riding the Honda.”

Younger brother Alex Marquez will be starting his first and last (at least for the foreseeable future) season as a Repsol Honda rider, this weekend.

The MotoGP rookie already knows Pol Espargaro will take over his seat in 2021 but has been given the consolation of a two-year contract extension to race factory RC213V machinery at the satellite LCR team.

“It has been a long wait and there have been some difficult times for everyone, and the most important thing is to extend our thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly to help us return our lives to normal," said Alex, the reigning Moto2 champion.

"This is why we will wear the special helmets; it is just a small gesture, but everything helps. Of course, I am very excited to see the team again and finally make my debut in MotoGP, it’s something everyone dreams of.

"It’s going to be a different weekend, but I think once we begin working on track our focus will shift and we can progress in a good way. The key thing is to take this weekend slow and remain realistic but of course I am excited, I have dreamed of lining up on the MotoGP grid since I was little.”

The special helmets worn by the Marquez brothers at Jerez will be auctioned off after the weekend with the proceedings going to Cruz Roja Responde.