Marc Marquez deployed his newly refined maximum attack strategy to deliver an early season warning that his campaign for a sixth MotoGP crown is on target. Marquez went into the race in third place and nine points behind Andrea Dovizioso but boldly issued a telling pre-race declaration: “Nine points is nothing.”
Marquez executed his race plan perfectly, taking his trademark focus and dazzling speed to a new level, leading all 25 laps.
It was confirmation that Marquez will no longer hang around for a last-lap dash for victory unless he is forced into a defensive role.
“It is not easy and usually I don’ race like this I am waiting until the end and then attack,” Marquez said. “For the first 10 laps I knew it would close, everyone is fast on new tyres.
“But this year I feel ready and have very good confidence on the bike and I decided I wanted to do the same style of race as in Argentina and Austin.
“So this will be my way this year, although for sure in some races I will have to defend.”
He delivered on his message by gaining a 12-point swing on his Ducati rival. Marquez now leads on 70 points ahead of Alex Rins (69) and Dovizioso (67).
By Colin Young
