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·@marcmarquez93 has held the circuit record -1:47.639- since 2013.
The MotoGP World Championship rolls on to Italy this weekend, as the Repsol Honda riders face Round 6 of the 2016 season. They take on the unique Mugello circuit in their latest challenge, and both riders have fond memories of the track. Marc Marquez took his first Grand Prix win at the track in 2010 –racing in the 125cc class– whilst later that day Dani Pedrosa would emerge victorious in the MotoGP contest.
Following five races in the 2016 season, Marquez lies second in the overall standings with a total of 85 points –just 5 points off series leader Jorge Lorenzo. Repsol Honda teammate Pedrosa is fourth, with 53 points.
Both riders’ race engineers, Santi Hernandez and Ramon Aurin, highlight adapting to quick changes of direction and grip at full lean as keys to mastering Mugello.
Marc Márquez
“I look forward to the next two races: we need to focus and concentrate on Mugello and Montmelo which are two very different tracks from both Jerez and Le Mans. They require more corner speed and if two years ago I would have said that they were demanding tracks for us now I think that maybe they can be better. We have work to do but I believe that if we improve the acceleration, our bike is one of the best out there. Not easy to get it due to the actual rules that prevent us from working on the engine, but I know that Honda is working hard on every other area of the bike and I believe in them, so we remain positive and in Mugello we will go with the podium as a target but we will see how the situation will shape up and in case we will try to get the most the conditions will allow us to.”
Dani Pedrosa
“I’m very happy to arrive at the Italian GP having already renewed with Honda and aware I’ll be able to keep working with a team I know and trust. With our future well lined up we’ll be totally free to just focus on the work to do on track. Mugello has a very fast and flowing layout with many long corners so finding a good setup and a good grip will be crucial. So far my overall pace in races has been better than it could be expected from practices, in le Mans at least it was so in the second part of the race, so I’m hoping to start strong from Friday and to keep improving over the weekend. I’ll try to do better Saturday in qualifying and to get a better grid position so be closer to the front and not remaining stuck in the first part of the race.”