"If Marc Marquez is back, it's because he feels he can fight," says Francesco Bagnaia
Rivals have cast doubt on defending MotoGP champion Marc Marquez's admission that he may not perform at his best following recent surgery
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose Photography / LAT Images / via Getty Images
Both the world championship leader Marco Bezzecchi and Marquez' own team-mate, Francesco Bagnaia, have scoffed at Marc Marquez's claim to be below his best as he returns from a injury layoff at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix.
Following a recent operation on his foot and shoulder, the reigning world champion played down his chances when speaking to media at Mugello on Thursday. But Marc has developed a reputation for not playing a straight hand when speaking about his injury status, and scepticism was not limited to the press corps following his latest comments.
Marquez' factory Ducati team-mate clearly did not expect the Spaniard to be riding cautiously around in the midfield this weekend.
"If he's back, it's because he feels that he can fight," said Bagnaia. "And it's difficult to think Mark [is] here just to take points.
"I spoke with him this morning. He was feeling quite good. He's not worried about the foot. He's just worried about the arm, the shoulder. But I think it will be strong."
World championship leader Bezzecchi was equally convinced Marc would be back in every sense of the word.
"For sure he will be extra competitive," said the Aprilia rider, who is 85 points ahead of the lurking threat that is Marquez. "Because if he comes back, it means that he's ready.
"Marc is very smart. So, he knows what to do. And apart from this, I think you can't rule out the current world champion from the title fight. So, for sure he will be there."
Whether Marquez really believes he will not be at his best in Italy, is playing a psychological game or just being cautious with his statements, only he and those closest to him will know.
Timing and scoring will answer the most important questions once the action begins at Mugello today.
Photos from Italian GP - Friday
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
Italian GP - Friday, in photos
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