Marquez ‘feeling better, stronger’ ahead of Austrian double header

Marc Marquez could be close to making a return to 100% fitness following a MotoGP summer break where an increased training regime has taken place. 

The eight-time world champion has been riding below his full capacity since returning from a nine month layoff at Portimao earlier this year. 

Even so, Marquez was still able to take a sensational victory at Sachsenring two races ago. 

But thanks to a five week break, the Spaniard is now feeling ‘better’ and ‘stronger’ heading into the second half of 2021.

Marquez said: "I’ve enjoyed the summer break; I was able to relax with friends and family and enjoy it. It was good not just for the mind, but also for the body and I am feeling better and stronger. 

"I’ve been able to increase my training, spending more time on bikes and even returning to riding motocross – which I am enjoying a lot! 

"But we know the situation on track will still not be simple and we have to keep working and stay focused. 

"I’m looking forward to riding my Honda RC213V again and having full grandstands again will be incredible."

Team-mate Pol Espargaro has also been training hard ahead of the final nine races - a second half of the season he’s hoping will ‘show the potential we know we have’. 

Espargaro has been fairly crash prone over the course of 2021 so far, but with the Red Bull Ring being a strong circuit historically for Honda, it could be the perfect venue for Espargaro to clinch a first top five in Repsol colours. 

"Let’s ride! It has been a long time away from the track and I am looking forward to returning to riding my Honda again," said Espargaro.  

"We’ve been training hard over the whole summer and I am fully prepared physically for the final end of the year. 

"The Red Bull Ring is a unique circuit with a lot of hard braking and accelerating, I think it can suit us. It looks like we will have full grandstands for the first time in Austria, I am so excited to see all the fans and hopefully we can see more people at more circuits soon. 

"We didn’t have the easiest start to the season, but it’s time to keep our focus and show the potential we know we have."