Honda racer Marc Marquez believes the 2019 edition of the Dutch TT at Assen will see a much higher pace compared to that of last year’s event.
The leading riders, including Marquez, all held back their pace for most of the race as they tried to save their tires for a late-race battle due to the pace differential between the Yamaha, Ducati, Suzuki and Honda machines being so minimal.
Marquez would eventually go on to win the race after a thrilling battle with Alex Rins in the closing laps, as the close pace saw the top seven riders covered by just 4.5 seconds at the conclusion of the 26 lap contest.
Marquez reckons this year however that Suzuki’s Rins as well as the Yamaha pairing of Fabio Quartararo and the factory squad’s Maverick Vinales will have the pace to stretch the field early on, something the championship leader is ready for.
“For tomorrow both the Yamaha’s and the Suzuki have a very good pace so the race will be very fast compared to last year, last year was a very slow race and this year it will be much quicker so there might be a smaller group,” said Marquez.
“We will try to keep our pace and level and try to be there for the win at the end.”
The reigning world champion admitted that pole was impossible due to SRT’s Quartararo, Vinales as well as Rins being “a step ahead” in qualifying trim.
“Both Yamaha riders in particular were a step ahead of us, but we are there in fourth and the race pace is very good compared to them," explained Marquez.
“It looks like we are working well as a team because we started the weekend very far from the pace but step by step have got closer, not quite enough for the front row but the second row.
“We are there in fourth so I am happy with the day.”
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