MotoGP: Marquez 'didn't expect' 1'59 lap

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Marc Marquez says he didn’t expect to shatter his own pole position record on his way to the top spot in qualifying for the 2017 British Grand Prix.

Marquez’ time of 1’59.941 bettered his own previous record of 2’00.234 set back in his debut year in the MotoGP class.

What’s more impressive is that the 24-year-old put in the time after shrugging off two big crashes yesterday, including a high-speed off at the fast Chapel turn, but while he admits he was aching this morning the pain got better throughout the day.

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“When I woke up this morning my body was lazy after the two crashes yesterday,” he smiled. “It was painful but during the day it’s improved a lot. Yesterday I was able to be fast but I was struggling with the feeling and today it was much better.

“I didn’t expect to do a 1’59, but when I put the soft rear in I felt extra grip and pushed to the maximum. It’s difficult to make a perfect lap alone here because it’s a very long lap. The most important thing for tomorrow is that the rhythm is not so bad. It’ll be difficult in the race as many riders have a good pace but we’re there at the same level.” 

Pick up this week’s MCN for a 32-page British Grand Prix special, including exclusive interviews, the best places to watch, what makes a perfect GP bike and more! 

Oli Rushby

By Oli Rushby

Former sports reporter covering British Superbikes, World Superbikes and road racing