“Marc Márquez was clever and he knew exactly when to use his extra pace”

Marc’s strategy was to start well and wait a few laps, trying to save the tyres

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After nine Grands Prix and with a further nine to be contested, the MotoGP World Championship takes a brief summer break with Marc Márquez leading the overall standings. He won his fifth race of 2018 at the Sachsenring this past Sunday, aided by his race management. Repsol Honda team manager Alberto Puig reffects on this and the current state of play in MotoGP.

WHAT WAS THE STRATEGY FOR THE GERMANY RACE?

“Marc’s strategy was to start well and wait a few laps, trying to save the tyres. He knew that in the second part of the race he would be stronger and then he could try to break away from the others. He rode a very tactical race. On the other hand, Dani had a tough weekend, but his strategy was to keep trying to improve during the race.”

THE POSITIVE POINTS AND NEGATIVE POINTS AFTER THE RACE?

“The positive is Marc’s ninth win in a row at this track and another 25 important points for the championship before the summer break. He increased his advantage to 46 points over the rider in second place. The negative points are that Dani struggled and that neither LCR Honda finished the race.”

THE VIEW FROM THE PIT WALL DURING THE RACE?

“It wasn’t an easy race. We knew many riders would be at the front in the early stages. But Marc was clever – he knew exactly when to use his extra pace.”

THE INSIDE STORY APART FROM YOUR OFFICIAL COMMENTS?

“We normally decide with the team after the race who will go up on the podium with Marc. Because we were in Germany and because Marc has only one German member in his crew, Gerold Bucher enjoyed this special moment at his home race!”