The MotoGP World Championship roars back into life this weekend at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, and LCR Honda CASTROL’s new recruit Álex Márquez is in a positive frame of mind ahead of the season opener.

Márquez has spent the last couple of weeks back home in Spain preparing for the gruelling 19-race schedule ahead, and after suffering a foot injury during testing feels nearly back to his best for the start of on-track action on Friday.

Crew Chief Christophe Bourguignon is also in Doha, and awaiting a second negative PCR test to be able to join Alex and the rest of the LCR Honda CASTROL squad. The Belgian had an initial ‘reactive’ swab result on his arrival back into Qatar, but plans are already in place to mitigate any minor inconvenience in the meantime.


Álex Márquez

“I’ve been at home recovering (from the injury) and, although I’m not 100%, I’m nearly there. It’s very good to be starting the season, and I’m looking forward to being on track and working with the LCR Honda CASTROL team.

“Unfortunately, we have one member of the team in isolation, my crew chief (Christophe Bourguignon) but we are in contact with him directly so it won’t be a problem now. He’s working 24 hours in the hotel, and it’s not a problem as we have all the plan on the computers in the box and we can communicate with him throughout the day.

“Everyone is ready, the bikes are ready, the tyres are ready and everything is planned to have a good weekend.”