Marquez to persist with 2014 Honda chassis

Following a torrid start to his title defence punctuated by crashes at Termas de Rio Hondo, Mugello and Barcelona, Marquez chose to revert to last year’s chassis for June’s Assen round with the latest specification engine, swing-arm and exhaust.

The switch had the desired effect, with the 22-year-old coming within an ace of victory in the Netherlands before recording an overdue second win of the season two weeks later in Germany.

Following a successful post-race test at Misano the following week, where he and teammate Dani Pedrosa got to sample Honda’s 2016 machine, Marquez revealed that he will persist with the 2014 chassis for the time being.

“I will continue with the 2014 frame,” confirmed the Spaniard. “We tried some different things [during the test], and it was good for getting information for next year’s bike.

“Apart from the chassis, we changed a few small things which help a lot, but at this level it’s difficult to find two tenths, or even one tenth.

“But we’re finding small things that help a little bit.”

“I’m enjoying riding again”

Marquez added that the switch back to the 2014 frame has enabled him to enjoy riding again, having struggled to feel totally comfortable on this year’s RC213V.

“Last year’s situation was much better, but this year is how it is and [the Yamaha riders] are really far [ahead in the championship].

“What’s important is now I’m enjoying the bike; since Malaysia [in pre-season testing] I struggled to find the right feeling with the bike, but I found it again in Holland and I’ve enjoyed these [last] two races a lot.

“I hope to continue enjoying myself and hopefully the results will come.”