Marc Marquez “not ready” to fight in Qatar MotoGP

The six-time world champion comes into 2022 having full recovered from the vision problems which ruled him out of the end of the 2021 campaign.

However, the true physical state of the right arm he broke in 2020 and the resulting shoulder issues he suffered in 2021 remains unknown – with Honda boss Alberto Puig admitting last month that Marquez is unlikely to be 100% fit in 2022.

Ahead of this weekend’s start to the 2022 season, Marquez says simply being in Qatar is “already better than last year” as he missed the first two rounds.

“After the winter it was not clear [I would be in Qatar], but it was already really important to test in Malaysia, test in Mandalika,” he said.

“And after Mandalika already I felt a big step with my physical condition, so that was very, very important.

“Let’s see how is the way to start the first race. I will say that for 2022 I want to fight with all these guys for the title, for the first GP maybe I’m not ready.

“But during the weekend we will understand where we are.”

Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Team

Photo by: MotoGP

Marquez has only won once in Qatar, back in 2014, and says adding a second to his tally this weekend would be “like a dream come true”.

“During a season you have 21 different circuits, 21 different layouts and Qatar layout is not one of the best for my style,” he said when asked why he has only won once in Qatar.

“Also, in the past Honda was not very strong in this race track.

“I think this year the bike will be strong, I don’t know if I will be ready.

“But if we win here on Sunday we’re in a level we cannot imagine, it’s like a dream come true. But I think it’s too far.”

Honda has made the most radical changes to its bike over the winter following two tough years.

Marquez