Marquez: I need at least two more wins to be champion

Honda rider Marquez is in the enviable position of being able to finish second in each of the eight remaining rounds on the calendar and still be guaranteed a third premier class crown, having scored in every race while main rivals Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi have been less consistent.

However, the Spaniard still feels he cannot afford to go the rest of the season without winning races, especially now Ducati’s factory riders are capable of depriving him of points on a more regular basis.

Asked whether consistency or speed would be the key to the title fight for the rest of the year, Marquez said: “Of course the consistency will be important, but in the top, on the podium.

“So I know, in my case, for example, I know I need to win a minimum of two races more, because in the end both Yamaha riders are pushing a lot.

“[As for] Ducati, we will see here if they can confirm this level of Austria, and if it will be a big help for me or if they can take a lot of points.

“In Austria it was a big help because I lost less points, but here it can be the opposite. To be champion you must be fast and constant, everything.”

Big points swings possible

Meanwhile, defending champion Lorenzo believes the fact that Ducati’s re-emergence as a winning force – combined with the occasional star turn from Suzuki rider Maverick Vinales – has the potential to create big swings in points in a short space of time.

“Obviously Marc has these 43 points of advantage,” said Lorenzo. “But to have six, or even seven, riders with real options to fight for the win can create big variations in points in just a few races.

“It’s important always to take the maximum in every race, stay on the podium until the end of the season. And [even] when you have this advantage of 43 points, you have to try to win as many races as possible.”

Rossi, who is 57 points behind Marquez, reiterated what his factory Yamaha teammate Rossi said, adding that he is aware something “extra” will be necessary to get back in title contention.

“It’s still very long, eight races, [and] at this moment you can have seven very strong riders that can fight for victory,” said the Italian.

“So it depends very much from one track to another, and try to be competitive, always be on top.

“We need to do something extra, to go faster, but always to take points – especially think race by race, try to do the maximum. Because from here to the end will be a great fight.”