Marc Marquez offers WORRYING news to the MotoGP grid ahead of Qatar opener

But Marquez today delivered the news none of his MotoGP competitors wanted to hear – he is going to be almost 100 per cent ready for Qatar. The current world champion has been battling to be fully fit for the season’s curtain raiser.

Throughout testing his injury has clearly been holding him back, with the rival Yamahas particularly setting the pace.

“This winter has been different due to the surgery, I worked hard with five hours of physio per day with only one goal: arrive in the best conditions in the first race of the year.

“At the Qatar Test I felt much better than at the Malaysia Test and now I can say that I arrive almost 100%.”

Marquez is bidding to record a fourth-straight MotoGP world title and make it six in the premier class.

The only man to win the world championship since he made is debut in 2013 is Jorge Lorenzo.

The two will now pair up at Honda in what is being hailed as ‘the dream team’ for the 2019 season.

Marquez has only won at the Losail International Circuit once back in 2014.

New Honda team-mate Jorge Lorenzo along with Andrea Dovizioso will be Marquez’s closest rivals (Pic: GETTY)

The Honda does not traditionally perform at the Asian track, but the Spaniard is still hopeful following his team’s efforts.

He added: “Honda have done a lot to improve the bike and in the test we were feeling strong, especially for a circuit which usually isn’t the best for us, but we have to keep improving.

“Qatar is always a special round, not just because it is the first of the year but also because of the conditions.

“We will have to pay special attention to the temperature and consider everything before the race.”

Source: The Star, UK

The Spaniard said: “Finally, it’s time to go racing once again.