Marquez ready for Qatar MotoGP tests

Doha/Bengaluru, March 1: As the final round of MotoGP pre-season winter tests got underway at Qatar, defending champion Marc Marquez is upbeat and raring to go.

The Repsol Honda rider had impressed in the previous two tests in Sepang (Malaysia) and Buriram (Thailand) and hopes to continue his good run at the floodlit Losail circuit in Qatar.

"I'm happy with our pre-season so far, as we've started a bit better than last year, but we must remain concentrated and focused on the work ahead. Now we've to reconfirm everything in Qatar, which is a particular track, and not an easy one," Marquez told Repsol Honda media.

The 5.3km circuit in Qatar hosts the only night race of the FIM MotoGP World Championship.

It has been on the FIM calendar since 2004, started hosting race under lights from 2008 and has been the season opener since 2009.

Unseasonal rains have sometimes put the schedule for a toss like in 2009 when the race had to be put off by a day. Last year, the race, which starts at 9pm local time was delayed due to the dampness in the track.

Riders have often complained about lack of preparation when it comes to racing in the rain under lights and to address this issue, this time, Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of the event in consultation with FIM Safety Commission has decided to have the tests under wet conditions.

Just like in Formula One's Barcelona test last year, water tankers will be used to douse the Losail track.

Marquez, the four-time world champion is relishing the new challenge though.

"We're still working to best understand the new engine, working on the setup to adapt it as well as possible to my riding style. We already took a step forward from Sepang to Buriram, and we look forward to taking another one in Qatar.

"We've always focused our work on our race pace and consistency, and we're generally happy with the feeling we have with the bike. We'll try to be on the pace in Losail as well, and to get ready for the first race," added Marquez.

After three days of testing, the riders will assemble back in the Middle East venue for the season opener on March 18.

(With Honda inputs)