Marquez and Mir: Moto2™ presentation at Jarama

Two of the biggest names in the Championship ready for 2018

Alex Marquez and Joan Mir are two of the biggest names in Moto2™ this season, and their EG 0,0 Marc VDS team had their presentation in Jarama in Madrid on Monday. With all riders and teams throughout the structure present, the event was a big one – and the two intermediate class challengers two of the key draws. (And, they arrived in a bike and sidecar.)

On stage, each spoke about the year ahead.

“The objective is to win,” says Marquez. “Step by step, of course, throughout the whole season. And more than the laptimes and being first, we’ve made steps forward and we have to continue like that. I think we’re doing good work and the target this year is to learn from the mistakes of last year, improve, always be there, and not make so many mistakes. Get points. It’s good being a favourite but that’s decided on track. Last year I maybe thought about the Championship too much.”

Mir, meanwhile, is a debutant. Arriving as reigning Moto3™ Champion as Marquez did before him in 2015, the Spaniard is raring to go – but sadly will miss the test in Jerez this week due to an injured shoulder.

“In the end if you want to win or be up front, you have to be in a good team and this is one of the best,” smiles Mir. “You need to remember that this is my first year. You have to manage it, improve race by race, move forward…every time I go out on track I find something that makes me a bit more comfortable and a bit faster. I’d be happy getting to the end of the year going from scoring points and then improving in each race.”

Mir’s first intermediate class challenge begins in Qatar in two weeks – as Marquez kicks his title campign into gear.