Jakarta - Repsol Honda racer Marc Marquez said he would maximize his time in the free practice session, Friday (17/11) in order to overcome the challenges that await him at the Qatar MotoGP, which will be held at the Lusail International Circuit, this weekend.
“With the new (track) surface, some things can definitely change so we have to spend Friday to understand how this has changed the situation. "We will see what might happen," said Marquez, quoted from HRC's official statement, Wednesday.
Intensive circuit renovations meant that the Qatar GP was moved to the final two MotoGP rounds of the season, after previously always being one of the opening races of the season.
This 5.38 kilometer circuit has become an iconic race because it has been held at night since 2008. Marquez considers this uniqueness to be a challenge for racers, including himself.
Marquez himself won the Qatar MotoGP in 2014. Apart from this victory, he has achieved four podiums at the circuit located on the outskirts of Doha.
The eight-time world champion did not deny that the right strategy was the main highlight in conquering the circuit once again. He said he was ready to take risks if it was necessary to win or win the podium.
"Qatar is the second to last race this year but our focus is still the same, we continue to work optimally until the end," said Marquez.
“Historically Qatar has been a difficult track for us with the layout and various other things. So I think once again it will be a more difficult weekend," he added.
On the other hand, his teammate, Joan Mir, said he was ready to be more focused and finish the race without accidents or falls.
Mir himself has finished in the top ten in the premier class four times at the Lusail International Circuit from his previous four appearances.
“For me personally, I have had good results in Qatar in the past and there is a new surface (track) with all the changes so it will be interesting to ride the Honda there. "This is another weekend to learn as much as we can," said Mir.
UEFA announces the official ball for Euro 2024
The European Football Association (UEFA) announced the design of the ball for the Euro 2024 tournament, which will be held on German soil next summer.
Germany is scheduled to host the 2024 European Nations Cup from June 14 to July 14, 2024, with the participation of 24 teams.
The European Football Association (UEFA) published, through its official accounts on social media, a picture of the Euro 2024 ball with which the upcoming tournament matches will be played next summer.
The European Championship ball will be manufactured by Adidas, the official sponsor of the tournament, and will feature a mix of colors in its design.
Regarding the identity of the teams qualifying for Euro 2024, they are: “France, Spain, Scotland, England, Turkey, Austria, Belgium and Portugal, in addition to the host country, Germany.”
The draw for the UEFA Euro 2024 will be held on December 2, 2023, at the Elbe Orchestra in the German city of Hamburg.
It is noteworthy that the Italian national team is the holder of the European Nations Cup title in the last edition of the tournament, which was held in England, after defeating the home team in the final match on penalties.