MotoGP championship leader Marc Marquez believes Valentino Rossi is stronger this year than he was last year, when he came within five points of taking his eighth title.
Yamaha rider Rossi secured his 88th MotoGP victory on Sunday in Barcelona after a race long battle against Honda's Marquez, which saw the pair trade the lead of the race more than once.
Speaking after, Marquez admitted he was wary of Rossi's current form and believes the Italian – who is now just 22 points adrift in the stadings – could be a title contender.
"It was a nice race with Valentino," said the Spaniard. "He's in a moment that, since I'm here in MotoGP, it's his strongest moment.
"Last year he was strong but this year he's stronger, he has the pace. We will be careful with him, he has a really good level."
Reviewing his own race, Marquez admitted to some struggles which meant he was never 100 per cent comfortable.
"I was suffering a little with the increase in temperature and was never completely comfortable, so I was unable to try overtaking at the right time," he explained.
"I had a couple of scares and started doing the math for the standings in my head, knowing that Jorge Lorenzo was out of the race, and I think that in the end, a podium finish is a very positive result for the championship."
