Marquez “on another level” to rivals, says Doohan

Defending champion Marquez had a relatively slow start to the 2017 season, dropping 37 points off the championship lead after six races.

However, strong subsequent form, including four wins and seven podium finishes in the last eight races, has elevated the Honda rider to a 16-point lead in the standings over nearest rival Andrea Dovizioso.

Doohan, who was unbeatable in the 500cc motorcycle world championship between 1994 and 1998, considers Marquez better than the rest of the field.

"I think he is too strong at the moment, he is above his opponents," said Doohan.

"He is on another level. He is as good as [Valentino] Rossi - he is strong and confident, has a good bike, and gets better at races where he suffered last year.

"Marc keeps building up his already big confidence. His advantage in the championship is not very big, but he will be able to increase it in the next races."

Doohan reckons that, unlike Marquez, main rival Dovizioso is not able to "dominate" the top riders in MotoGP.

"Dovi is not in the same position of level as Marc," he added. "He has been fighting with the top riders for many years, but I don't know if he can really dominate them.

"But maybe I am wrong and Dovizioso will show it to me."