---
title: "Marquez ‘understands many things’ after slick-tyre laps in qualifying"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2017/10/14/marquez-understands-many-things-slick-tyre-laps-qualifying/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Lewis Duncan"
section: "MotoGP News"
published: "2017-10-14T09:09:17Z"
modified: "2017-10-14T09:09:17Z"
---

# Marquez ‘understands many things’ after slick-tyre laps in qualifying

Despite it costing him pole for the Japanese MotoGP, Marc Marquez believes his laps on slick tyres gained him a better understanding of grip limits should a similar situation arise on Sunday.

Marquez laid down an impressive gauntlet on his opening lap in a damp-but-drying Q2 of 1m53.903s to go almost two seconds clear of the field – this despite a big slide exiting the final corner.

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/10/860815440.jpg)

Dry patches were quickly forming on the Motegi circuit, and Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi gambled for slicks from the outset of Q2. However, after his first lap was 19 seconds off the pace, the Italian switched to wet rubber.

With a strong benchmark time set, Marquez felt the track was dry enough to at least assess conditions on slick tyres for the final five minutes of the session.

While he was beaten to pole by Tech3’s Johann Zarco and shuffled to third by Praamc’s Danilo Petrucci, Marquez felt the switch – albeit too early – was worth it as he gained vital information should conditions be similar in the race.

“Yeah, of course, it was too early in the end; when we finish the practice we ralise,” the championship leader said.

“But in the end I did a good laptime in the first lap with the soft (wet) tyre. Then I was thinking of putting in the extra-soft to improve the laptime.

“But when I stop in the box, I take the gamble because it was so close (the crossover point between wets and slicks).

“Just when I try, I understand many things, interesting things, but in the end I couldn’t have the chance to fight for the pole position.”

![Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readmotorsport.com/readmotorsport/2017/10/827011262.jpg)

Marquez admits he could have improved on the 2m01.754s lap he posted on slicks had he pushed more, but did not feel the reward justified the risk to his championship challenge should he have injured himself.

“My laptime was bad, OK, but not so bad because I was not pushing,” he said.

“When I go out with the slick I realise it was possible to do a good laptime, but (there was) a lot of risk because (there were) many wet parts and a lot of risk.

“Also, we have to manage a little bit this risk for injury. Still we have four races to go.

“But we understand a few things, we ride with slicks, so always take the positive thing.”

Marquez’s nearest title rivals, Andrea Dovizioso and Maverick Vinales – whom he leads by 16 and and 28 points ahead of Sunday’s 24-lap race – qualified ninth and 14th respectively.