The performance of his Repsol Honda bike will likel🦋y be the main obstacle between the brilliant Marquez and a seventh title in the premier cla🔥ss this year.

He insisted after the Sepang preseason test that the bike must dramatically improve before he can fight for the title, although he did give a glowing review of his improving physical condition after his tw𓄧o-year injury nightmare.

• Marquez side-steps qꦆuestion on Honda exit clause: “I can’t think a💯bout this”

"We have to go through the preseason and the season wit🌳h the aim of fighting for a title,” Marquez said. 

“Then during the races we will see and be realistic, but for now we have to try to fight and be prepared as best we can, thinking about who is faster and be close to the fastest. This is goal number one.&nb⛎sp;

“There is 📖still a test at Portimao andღ there is room for improvement."

Four different riders, on four different bikes, have won the MotoGP championship in the past four years - Marquez in 2019 (Honda), Joan Mir in 2020 (Suzuki), Fabio Quartararo๊ in 2021 (Yamaha) and Fran𝐆cesco Bagnaia in 2022 (Ducati).

The latter three were all first-time🌱 champions, underlining the increased competition on the grid since Marquez’s heyday.

“I'm not one of the favourite꧒s,” he insisted before battle resumes this year. 

“But my goal is the 🔴same every year: to fight for the top positions at the front.

“First you have to make the change and then you will see the fruits in the lo♊ng run, but there is a reaction.&💟nbsp;

“I'm excited, confident with Hon🗹da and the changes we've done with the tests. Were there small steps? Yes. Are we far away? Also yes, bꦉut we are closer than four months ago." 

“When you start ꦦa se𝔍ason you do it to win. Otherwise stay home. 

“Physically I see the light at the end of the tunnel. The bike? 𓃲It's the great passion. You can love ♚it or hate it. This is a team sport, we have to be united."

The presea♓son Portimao test will be the last chance for Honda to fix the problem🌠s that Marquez highlighted in Sepang before the season begins on March 26.