Marc Marquez says Honda's chain issues are “not normal”, after team-mate Jorge Lorenzo suffered a breakage in MotoGP Americas Grand Prix qualifying.
Austin poleman Marquez had his FP4 session in Argentina interrupted when the chain on his Honda jumped off its sprocket, with Lorenzo encountering an identical issue exiting the final corner at the Circuit of the Americas at the start of Q2.
Lorenzo left his stricken RC213V by the pit wall and returned to the session on his second machine, before going onto qualify a season-best 11th.
“The chain went out just some metres before crossing the line,” Lorenzo said after qualifying.
“So I had to put the bike in the wall and run to get the second bike. This problem also happened to Marc in Argentina, and this time happened to me.
“So for sure there is some reason for this to happen, and the team is searching for what is happening and a good solution to avoid this problem in the future.”
Marquez revealed Honda has been investigating the issue since Argentina, and expects a fix for the Spanish Grand Prix next month – but is wary a similar issue during Sunday's COTA race could cause “big damage” to his championship.
“Of course there is some problem there that they [Honda] is trying to fix, trying to analyse and they are working on it,” Marquez added,
“It's not normal, so it's important to understand. They have been working since Argentina, and I think in Jerez they will [have a] fix [for] the problem.
“But it's important because if it happens in a race, it's a big damage for the championship. We will see, but they must check carefully for tomorrow.”
COTA working Marquez's shoulder harder
Marquez admitted he “forgot” about the left shoulder he had operated on in Argentina, but says the aggressive bumps at COTA have meant he has had to work more with his physiotherapist this weekend.
He also concedes he was “lucky” FP3 was cancelled by adverse weather, as he now heads into the race in a better physical condition.
“I would be lying if I say no,” he said when asked if his shoulder was hurting more.
“I'm very happy I arrive in a good level with my shoulder, because of course in this race track I feel, especially [when the bike is] shaking.
“In the change of direction it's not so bad, the power is there. But when it is shaking I feel a little bit.
“In Argentina I forget [about the shoulder] completely, but here I have been applying ice and [working with] the physio.
“But lucky for me FP3 we didn't ride, FP4 was easy, so physical condition will be fit for Sunday."
