Photos: 2015 MotoGP Preview - Marc Marquez

The reigning World Champion looks to repeat in 2015

Marquez started 2015 the same way he ended 2014, by topping the time sheets on the opening day of the first Sepang test in February. "We tried three different bikes today, and this has been very important. I focused on testing them thoroughly and deciding which bike was the ideal one to continue working with at this test, and then this afternoon we focused more on one of the machines."
Marquez rode the most laps of any of the rider on day 2 of the test, while concentrating on geometry, suspension settings and electronics. "In the morning we tested setups for the bike geometry and some different suspension settings. In the afternoon we worked a lot on the electronics, which is a slower process and requires more time and more laps."
In the cooler morning temperatures of day 3, Marquez turned the fastest lap every set by a motorcycle at Sepang with a 1:58.867 to top the timing sheets. "I'm glad I was able to set a good lap, but more important is the fact that I felt very comfortable, right from the start. We did a race simulation later on, which also went very well and was perhaps even more important than a single lap."
Marquez said that "Riding in the 1:58s at Sepang was a special moment," but remained focused on his race simulation and preparing for the season ahead. "We were able to collect a lot of data for the engineers from Honda and tried different engine mapping that helped me to understand many things. Doing a race simulation by yourself is a little more boring than a race; it’s tough, but you are still not riding at the limit."
An unusual problem with his brake discs on the opening day of the second Sepang test saw Marquez drop to 6th-quickest. "Today was a slightly strange day and not very productive, because I had some difficulties with the front brakes from the first run-out. We focused on improving that aspect of the bike and could only do runs of one or two laps. Now we will try to find the source of the problem and tomorrow we hope to continue with the testing plan."
With the brake issues resolved, Marquez returned to the top of the charts on day 2, working on electronics and other setup aspects. "After what happened yesterday, we tried to make up for lost time and tried out quite a few things. Today we focused on electronics and tomorrow we will work more on the chassis. I'm happy with how things went today and with the pace that we have achieved."
Marquez again logged the most laps of any rider on day 3 at Sepang, and posted the fastest time of the day. He evaluated two chassis options and worked on engine mapping before completing a race simulation in the afternoon.
"We have accomplished all the objectives we had set for this test," Marquez said at the end of the day, "and now at the Qatar test our work will be more focused on the Grand Prix and fine tuning the setup of the bike. I do not think there are many more new things to try."
At the final test of the pre-season in Qatar, Marquez was third-quickest on day 1 after working on general setup and clutch settings. “I am happy with how today went. In Qatar you always have to be careful on the opening day, because the track is more slippery than normal, but today it was fairly good and you could go fast."
Continuing to work on general setup for his Repsol Honda RC213V on day 2 in Qatar, Marquez posted the second-quickest time of the day. “I'm happy that we improved our fastest lap, but above all I'm pleased with our overall pace, which is the most important thing. We have also gained confidence with the front end - thanks to a change to the geometry - which was something we had been finding difficult at this circuit."
The final day of testing was rained out in Qatar, but Marquez remained upbeat about his chances at the opening round as well as for the forthcoming season: “It’s a shame this last day was cancelled due to the rain but I’m happy with how we are going into the first race. In time we will see how we do at different circuits, but we can make a positive assessment of our progress this winter."

In preparation for the start of the 2015 MotoGP season, Sport Rider is taking a closer look at a few of the top riders from pre-season testing, plus a MotoGP rookie following in Casey Stoner’s footsteps.

Today we take a look at Marc Marquez and the current MotoGP World Champion's run up to the 2015 season. The Spaniard was at or very near the top of the time sheets all through the Sepang and Qatar tests, and looks to be as big a hurdle as ever for his title rivals. Scroll through the gallery above to see images from the pre-season tests along with details and quotes on the Repsol Honda rider's progress.

Tomorrow we will round out our 2015 preview in pictures with Australian Jack Miller, who jumps directly from the Moto3 class to MotoGP this year.

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