MOTEGI, Japan - Honda's MotoGP rookie Marc Marquez has denied he's under pressure ahead of the upcoming 2013 Japanese race as he leads the charge for the championship.
Disqualification in Australia earlier in October 2013 for failing to observe an ad hoc bike-change rule, prevented him from taking the title. Rival Jorge Lorenzo won and closed the gap.
Marquez said: "In the end, what is most important is to try to get the title. It doesn't matter when."
‘EVERYONE CAN MAKE MISTAKES’
Marquez has won a rookie-record six races in the premier class since his 2012 Moto2 title but the spectacular blunder let Lorenzo (Yamaha) win and reduced the points gap between them to only 18 with only the Motegi and Valencia races left.
Marquez said: "Everyone can make mistakes. What is most important now is the motivation of the team is higher. Now Jorge is closer. We have two more races to go. We hope to be there, fighting for the victory and for the podium."
Riders and organisers were keeping a close watch on the weather as a slow-moving typhoon was heading towards eastern Japan. Reigning champion Lorenzo said rain could benefit his team's renewed bid to stop Marquez's campaign.
Lorenzo said: "This will be a very important week. The weather may play in our favour."
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 MotoGP season – fresh reports every day.
Disqualification in Australia earlier in October 2013 for failing to observe an ad hoc bike-change rule, prevented him from taking the title. Rival Jorge Lorenzo won and closed the gap.
Marquez said: "In the end, what is most important is to try to get the title. It doesn't matter when."
‘EVERYONE CAN MAKE MISTAKES’
Marquez has won a rookie-record six races in the premier class since his 2012 Moto2 title but the spectacular blunder let Lorenzo (Yamaha) win and reduced the points gap between them to only 18 with only the Motegi and Valencia races left.
Marquez said: "Everyone can make mistakes. What is most important now is the motivation of the team is higher. Now Jorge is closer. We have two more races to go. We hope to be there, fighting for the victory and for the podium."
Riders and organisers were keeping a close watch on the weather as a slow-moving typhoon was heading towards eastern Japan. Reigning champion Lorenzo said rain could benefit his team's renewed bid to stop Marquez's campaign.
Lorenzo said: "This will be a very important week. The weather may play in our favour."
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 MotoGP season – fresh reports every day.