New MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez will go into this weekend’s US GP at Laguna Seca blind but remains unfazed at facing the challenging circuit.
The Repsol Honda rider moved to a slender two-points lead in the standings after taking victory at Germany’s Sachsenring last weekend in the absence of his chief rivals Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa.
The 20-year-old will have his first experience at the technical and undulating circuit in Friday Free Practice.
“I am feeling really good at the moment. Even though the victory in Germany didn’t feel the same as Austin (first MotoGP win), because Dani and Jorge were not there, I am still so happy with the result.
“Now we go to Laguna Seca with no time to rest. Everybody says it’s a nice track but very technical. I’ve never ridden there so we will start to work hard from the first moment we arrive to learn the lines. From what I understand there are many blind points where you cannot see the racing line. Anyway, as always we will try our best and see what we can do.”
The weekend could present another opportunity for the rookie to extend his championship lead as title rivals Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo are yet to confirm if they will race come Sunday.
Honda’s Pedrosa and Yamaha’s Lorenzo, who both missed last weekend’s German GP with collarbone injuries, have travelled to California and intend to race if they are given medical clearance.
Meanwhile American Nicky Hayden, who revealed he will not be riding for Ducati in MotoGP next season, is hoping to give his loyal fans and home crowd something to cheer.
“It’s nice to be going home to Laguna, which is a race that I love and that’s obviously very special to me. The circuit is quite unique and it’s not easy, as you need to be confident and attack the corners.”
