MotoGP: Marquez plays down podium chances

Marc Marquez has downplayed the probability of podium finishes as he prepares for his MotoGP race debut this year, according to Auto Sport (AS).

Both Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa managed debut podium finishes after winning the 250cc World Championship – Moto2’s predecessor – in 2007 and 2005 respectively.

“Right now I don’t think it’s doable,” Marquez told AS when asked about his podium chances for the Qatar opener. “I’m not ruling out anything. It’s impossible to predict but Honda has told me to be calm. I still have a long way to go though and I’m hoping to take full advantage of the remaining tests.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2013.