Alex Rins & Alex Marquez eager to realise potential in Qatar season opener

The Losail International Circuit will host the curtain raising race off a new MotoGP World Championship season this weekend. The Qatari track has been a fixture on the calendar for ten editions, and has been the first race of the year for the past five seasons. Dani Pedrosa and Marc Marquez will once again be in Repsol colours in the premier class, with Alex Rins and Alex Marquez doing likewise in Moto3.

Alex Rins and Alex Marquez will be onboard their KTM bikes in the lower cylinder class, eager to realise their full potential in the opening race.
The action begins on Thursday with the first practice for the Qatar GP, with the races taking place on Sunday evening.

Alex Rins
“The Qatar circuit is very nice and I like it a lot, but at the same time it is a track that I find difficult. Last year we finished tenth in the race and the goal this year is to improve on that result. At first it was a bit difficult to adjust to the lights, because the shadows confuse you. You see them and think that they are from other riders trying to overtake, so you move over a little.
The three fast linked right handers are something that we must prepare well for, as they make the difference. For this first Grand Prix we are satisfied with the performance of the bike in preseason, but that does not take away the nerves that you have about wanting to go out and have a good race.”

Alex Marquez
“Qatar is the first race of the 2013 season. I go there eager to start this World Championship campaign. This is a new track for me, and it being at night makes it a little bit of a different Grand Prix. The team are in a positive mood, as we have a good feeling with the bike and are all working well. This race comes at just the right time. To prepare, I have watched videos of previous years’ races, as well as playing the track on the X-box to learn the corners and circuit layout. But you never really get to know until you get there. Once we arrive, my brother will tell me some details, I’m sure.”

Source: Repsol Media