Motorcycling.-Marc Márquez: "I was more worried about the sprint than the long race."

MADRID, 16 (EUROPA PRESS)

Spanish rider Marc Márquez (Ducati) has admitted that he was "more worried" about what would happen this Saturday in the sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he took victory, than what would happen in the long race, and explained that his "desire" got the better of him in qualifying, where he suffered a crash that will force him to start fourth again this Sunday.

"I made a mistake in qualifying. I tried to push too hard. I checked the scoreboard and saw I was fourth, and my desire built up. I pushed harder than necessary in that first sector. Starting fourth is a bit of a penalty; you could see that in the sprint, but when the front tire got hot, I had to let go a little. I had to attack again when the rear tire went down. I was more worried about the sprint than the long race because I had less reaction time, but, once I'm there, the start will be crucial," he told DAZN.

Despite the difficulties, the Cervera native claimed his 12th victory in the 13 short races held so far in 2025. "Records and points don't matter; the important thing is to keep adding points to achieve the main and priority objective, which is the title," he said.

All in a day during which he was able to test the new dual stability control on the Ducati. "It has a huge impact when we're leaning at maximum speed; it doesn't let the bike drift sideways. It's easier to ride because you're in control, and even with a worn tire, it's harder to make a difference. It's a technical advantage we must utilize because the others have taken a small step forward," he emphasized.

Finally, regarding Sunday's race, he emphasized that "what's vital is the start." "Today I only had one rider in front. If the others start normally tomorrow, I'll have three riders in front. Alex has a long lap to complete, so there'll be one less. But both Bezzecchi and Pecco had good pace in free practice this morning; I don't know what happened to them in the sprint, but I'm sure they'll be there tomorrow," he concluded.