A crucial weekend awaits at the Lusail International Circuit, where Marc Marquez has a golden opportunity to secure his tenth world championship. However, behind the grand ambition, the atmosphere in the paddock is distinct. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have led the championship leader to admit he would prefer to be elsewhere, though he remains fully committed to delivering his best on the track.
"I mean, I would like to be in another place, but for that reason I arrived on the latest flight possible, and I will leave on the earliest flight possible," Marquez said while addressing the security situation in Qatar. Despite this, his focus remains unwavering. "But we are here, ready to race and fully concentrated."
The title fight is intensifying. Marquez must outscore his closest rival, Jorge Martin, by 30 points to clinch the world title on Qatari soil. Meanwhile, Martin's condition remains a major question mark following a wrist injury sustained at Phillip Island. The Aprilia Racing rider is scheduled to undergo a medical check on Friday to determine his fitness to race.
On the other hand, Ducati remains the most dominant manufacturer in this year's title hunt. With several riders sidelined due to injuries and logistical issues affecting other teams, including Yamaha's withdrawal from the event, the challenge for riders to maintain their rhythm at the Lusail night circuit becomes even steeper. Marquez himself chooses to remain grounded, noting that there are still three rounds remaining including Portimao and Valencia.
"[The title is] closer, but still far," Marquez added. "Only three races to go, but a lot of moments to go, and in the end our mentality, as we showed in Malaysia, is the same. Try to attack, try to do our 100%, and then understand during the weekend where we are."
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