The Honda rider certified on the entrance row for his comeback weekend at Le Mans and briefly led Sunday’s grand prix.
Marquez in the end fought with Pramac’s Jorge Martin for second within the latter phases of the race, however crashed at Flip 6 on the penultimate tour whereas sitting in runner-up spot.
It means Marquez has but to complete a grand prix in 2023 after crashing out in Portugal, which led to his three-round harm layoff.
Regardless of shedding a podium, which he admits he was “possibly not prepared” for, Marquez was elated along with his grand prix because it was “a very long time” since he felt that good in a race.
“Truthfully, I’m very, very completely happy concerning the race right now,” Marquez stated. “It’s a disgrace we didn’t obtain any good outcomes with all of the exhausting work we did. We crashed with one lap and a half remaining.
“However I used to be driving in an excellent method. It was a very long time in the past that I used to be feeling like this myself – not with the bike.
“Myself, I used to be driving properly, I used to be going into the nook with some sliding, I used to be braking late. I used to be in a position to battle towards the opposite riders.
“I’m completely happy about that. In fact, I’m sad concerning the outcome, however possibly the one drawback was the rostrum was shut and possibly I used to be not able to battle for the rostrum.
“However wherever, I want to lose a race like this and to not end in 10th place. I loved it, however we have to preserve working to enhance for the long run.”
Marc Marquez, Repsol Honda Crew
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Marquez says his crash began exiting Flip 6 when the Honda wobbled as he accelerated, which unsettled him within the braking zone for Flip 7.
Having completed fifth within the dash race, Marquez says his weekend total was precisely what he wanted “to develop my confidence” once more “as a result of if you end up in a tough second, it’s tough to imagine in your self”.
Marquez raced with the brand new Kalex chassis in each the dash and the grand prix, however as soon as once more reiterated that – whereas it’s a clear enchancment – it’s not a gamechanger, highlighting team-mate Joan Mir’s struggles at Le Mans on the identical body as proof that Honda should do extra.
“In fact, the chassis is a small distinction, however it’s not the answer,” he stated concerning the Kalex body. “Mir was utilizing the chassis and Mir is a world champion, and also you noticed he was struggling, he was within the again and he crashed once more.
“So, we have to change one thing for the long run to be extra aggressive, to be extra protected as a result of yearly all of the Honda riders we’re within the high rating of crashing.
“It’s not solely me; Mir crashed three, 4 occasions in Jerez, right here 3 times. So, we have to preserve working with the workforce to enhance.”
