Marc and Álex Márquez kick off first Grand Prix of the season at Jerez on Friday
The Repsol Honda Team riders will get back onboard their RC213V bikes at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto this weekend, to begin an atypical season.
Before the inaugural round of the campaign, a test will be held on Wednesday at the southern Spanish venue, to get the participants reacclimatised to on-track action after an enforced absence.
Reigning MotoGP World Champion Marc Márquez, the winner of last season’s race at Jerez, has eight consecutive rostrum finishes at the track -a run stretching back to 2012-.
Álex Márquez is preparing for his debut in the premier class this weekend, having had a prolonged wait due to the unforeseen circumstances that have affected the series.
MARC MÁRQUEZ:
“First I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped and worked hard during these strange times. Now it is our turn to go back to work, to put on a great show and entertain everyone around the world – give them some excitement and rest in these difficult times. Jerez is a circuit I know well and the test on Wednesday will be important because even though we have been able to ride some motocross and keep our fitness, there is nothing like a MotoGP bike. We need to adapt how we work to stay safe and healthy, but I am really excited to see the team again and enjoy riding the Honda.”
ÁLEX MÁRQUEZ:
“It has been a long wait and there have been some difficult times for everyone, and the most important thing is to extend our thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly to help us return our lives to normal. This is why we will wear the special helmets; it is just a small gesture, but everything helps. Of course, I am very excited to see the team again and finally make my debut in MotoGP, it’s something everyone dreams of. It’s going to be a different weekend, but I think once we begin working on track our focus will shift and we can progress in a good way. The key thing is to take this weekend slow and remain realistic but of course I am excited, I have dreamed of lining up on the MotoGP grid since I was little.”
