Since the operation, I started feeling a bit better every day
There has only been one winning rider at the Circuit Of The Americas, as Marc Márquez has been victorious at every MotoGP race held there since 2013.
The reigning World Champion has also taken five pole positions from five visits to the US track.
Dani Pedrosa will be present at the race to evaluate his fitness, following an operation to treat damage suffered in a crash in Argentina.
The Repsol Honda rider has three podiums in Austin: Second place in 2013 and 2014, and third in 2017.
If Marc Márquez finishes on the podium this weekend, he will overtake Wayne Rainey as the rider with the eighth most rostrums in history: 65.
Marc Márquez
“After a good start to the season in Qatar, we got no points in Argentina, but I was feeling good on the bike in both races, which is positive. The season is long and the most important thing is that our level is there. Now we go to Austin, a good circuit with a good atmosphere and great memories: it was the place of my first pole and my first MotoGP victory and we’ve been able to be strong there since then, so it’s a good place to try and get a good result. That said, every season is different: the bikes, the tyres, the conditions. This year some work was done to reduce the bumps, so we’ll see how the track is. As we’ve done so far, over the weekend we’ll focus our work on the race setup, and then on Sunday we’ll see where we’re able to finish.”
Dani Pedrosa
“Since the operation, I started feeling a bit better every day. I’ve been doing exercises to gain mobility and reduce the inflammation. Little by little I’m recovering muscle tone, and this allows me to see some progress. From here it’s difficult to know our real possibilities. We’re going to a difficult track and until I’m back on my bike I won’t be able to really know my situation. But what’s clear to me at this moment is that it’s well worth it to travel and try. An important part of my strength to go to Austin comes from your messages of support, so thank you very much to all of you.”