Marquez ‘looking forward’ to Austin; ‘a round I enjoy a lot’

Repsol Honda riders Marc Marquez and Pol Espargaro look to build on an impressive Misano performance as MotoGP returns to Austin, Texas.

While Marquez won in Sachsenring and came a close second to Francesco Bagnaia at Aragon, the eight-time world champion’s fourth place at Misano was arguably as impressive. 

Marquez, who had shown solid but not top five pace throughout the weekend, got the better of Joan Mir and Jack Miller during their last lap battle.

Although it was a mistake from Mir that ultimately allowed his fellow Spaniard through, the consistency Marquez showed was particularly strong given the difficulties he’s had at right-hand dominated layouts this year. 

That is unlikely to be a hindrance this weekend as MotoGP returns to America for the first time since 2019. 

Speaking ahead of a race he’s won six times in seven attempts, Marquez added: "I am looking forward to Austin and we’re arriving there after two good races, in Aragon and then in Misano. 

"It’s a layout that I like and in the past we have had a lot of success but this year is a little bit different with our situation arriving there. 

"Like always, it’s going to be important to build over the weekend and see where we line up on Sunday morning. No matter what it will be great to return because it’s a round I always enjoy a lot."

Austin should also be a strong venue for Marquez’ team-mate Espargaro who secured his second top ten in three races last time out. 

Espargaro also comes into the weekend off of a positive two-day test at Misano where many new parts were evaluated: "After a good test I am excited to head to Austin, it’s a fun track to ride and it will be great to see some more MotoGP fans outside of Europe. 

"We found a few things during testing in Misano and Austin will be a good place to try them because it’s a circuit with a lot of variety. 

"I’ve had a few top tens there in the past so hopefully we can build on that base this weekend."