Breaking news
MotoGP French GP
Marquez: Qualifying crash a result of my strategy
Le Mans MotoGP pole-sitter Marc Marquez said that his qualifying crash was a consequence of his strategy, as he fell on the lap where he went all-in.
David Gruz
Edited: May 18, 2019, 5:10 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Due to rain ramping up, track conditions during qualifying gradually got worse, meaning the early laps in the session proved decisive in the pole battle.
Marquez recorded what eventually ended up the pole position time on his first try, and then suffered a crash on the next lap, sliding off into the gravel at La Chapelle.
He elaborated that it had been his strategy to push on his second lap, after having already set a time.
"Was a difficult qualy because was not only about speed - was about strategy, being smart, understanding track conditions," said Marquez.
"Immediately when I went out I saw that we made the correct decision, that was to start with the wet [tyres], and then immediately I saw that light rain becomes heavier and heavier.
"In the first lap I push a little bit, was enough to be in pole, and then on the second lap – [that] was the strategy, first lap push a little bit and second lap was give everything.
"When I give everything, just was three corners very good, but then in the fourth corner I fell down."
Following his crash, Marquez was able to remount his Honda and continued to log laps without coming into the pits.
"When I crash, I saw that the bike was pretty good. And then I immediately understand that the track was a little bit more slippery, and was very difficult to be faster than 1[m]41[s].
"Tomorrow maybe [we will race] in these conditions, so I stay out to understand the way to ride, the way to set up the bike, and still we need to improve a few things, but yeah, I stay out for prepare the race."
Marquez also had a crash in the pre-qualifying FP4 session, when he entered the damp circuit on slicks but fell while taking Turn 9 at low speed.
While Marquez was confused by the incident, he said it didn't take away any of his confidence.
"I was not pushing, even I was not touching the knee on the floor, but was maybe the tyre too cold, was from yesterday, used, and then Michelin tyres when are used, the first two laps are difficult to warm [up the tyre].
"But the track was dry, I don't know what's happened on that crash, was very strange, but didn't take off confidence from myself because I knew that was something strange, so I keep going later."
More from Le Mans qualifyng:
- Zarco: Le Mans pole possible if not for Q1 strategy error
- Crutchlow: "Stupid rule" deciding Q2 spots not liked by riders
- Espargaro "applauds" Rossi for brave Q1 call
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Espargaro "applauds" Rossi for brave Q1 call
Next article Le Mans MotoGP: Quartararo leads Marquez in warm-up
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
David Gruz
Honda reveals 2020 World Superbike challenger
World Superbike
World Superbike
Honda reveals 2020 World Superbike challenger
Redding: Bautista cost himself 2019 WSBK crown
World Superbike
World Superbike
Redding: Bautista cost himself 2019 WSBK crown
Espargaro: Aprilia showed podium pace at Sepang
MotoGP
MotoGP
Sepang February testing
Espargaro: Aprilia showed podium pace at Sepang
More from
Marc Marquez
Ducati: “Marc Marquez has asked for guarantees to go to Qatar, while others stay silent”
MotoGP
MotoGP
Australian GP
Ducati: “Marc Marquez has asked for guarantees to go to Qatar, while others stay silent”
Marc Marquez: Track conditions were “acceptable” despite Australian GP cancellation
MotoGP
MotoGP
Australian GP
Marc Marquez: Track conditions were “acceptable” despite Australian GP cancellation
More from
Honda HRC
Joan Mir returns without revealing illness that kept him out for 44 days: "It hasn't been an easy period"
MotoGP
MotoGP
Malaysian GP
Joan Mir returns without revealing illness that kept him out for 44 days: "It hasn't been an easy period"
No factory Honda bikes in Australian GP as Luca Marini withdraws due to virus
MotoGP
MotoGP
Australian GP
No factory Honda bikes in Australian GP as Luca Marini withdraws due to virus
Joan Mir remains on the sidelines as Honda forced to race with one rider in Australia
MotoGP
MotoGP
Australian GP
Joan Mir remains on the sidelines as Honda forced to race with one rider in Australia
Latest news
Five things to look out for at the F1 Mexico GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
1 h
Five things to look out for at the F1 Mexico GP
Every time NASCAR took a win away due yellow line violations
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
2 h
Every time NASCAR took a win away due yellow line violations
Max Verstappen sits out for Red Bull in Mexico GP FP1
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
United States GP
2 h
Max Verstappen sits out for Red Bull in Mexico GP FP1
Eduardo Barrichello: The second-generation racer forging his own path
WEC
WEC WEC
Losail
2 h
Eduardo Barrichello: The second-generation racer forging his own path
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe