SEPANG: Despite winning a thrilling race in Phillip Island last week, MotoGP leader Marc Marquez is only cautiously optimistic of wrapping up the World Championship title at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend.
On paper, the situation at Sepang is simple for the Repsol Honda rider, who holds a 33-point advantage over second placed Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati).
All he needs at Sepang is to finish ahead of Dovisioso and the title, what would be his fourth in five years, is his.
Marquez, who has notched six race wins so far this season, is hoping to maintain a high level of performance.
“Of course one of the main targets is to be on the same level as Phillip Island but obviously you can feel that it is a very special weekend,” said the Spaniard at the main riders press conference today.
“I have the motivation and mentality and will try to push as hard as I can in practice to prepare for Sunday’s race. At the moment the strategy is to be on the same level that we were in Phillip Island, because many riders are fast here... it will be a tough weekend.”
Marquez admitted that Sepang has not been a favourite track of his, his only wins here coming in the premier class in 2014 and a 125cc win in 2010.
“Of course, I have had some up and downs here... it has not been one of my best tracks but in the pre-season (testing) we were consistently fast here.
“I have a good advantage (in points) but it is not enough... we will try to finish both races and be on a good level these last two races of the weekend.”
Meanwhile, Valentino Rossi, who came in second at Phillip Island, is keen to put behind him what has been a difficult season.
Rossi broke his leg in August after crashing his enduro bike during a ride near his home in Italy.
“It was a great pleasure to fight in Phillip Island. It was very funny and was also an important result for me, especially after injuring my leg,” said the Movistar Yamaha rider.
“We are here in good shape but it is completely different from Phillip Island. I like the (Sepang) track a lot... it is very wide and fast here.
“But it looks like the bad weather has always followed us everywhere this year and last season was also rainy here. Unfortunately, I am not as strong in the wet (track conditions) as I was last year.”
Rossi, who is teammates with Maverick Vinales, is currently fourth in the overall standings, 81 points behind Marquez.