World Champion Marc Marquez and teammate Dani Pedrosa are headed to Malaysia for the penultimate round of 2014 where last year Dani led home a Repsol Honda 1-2. Before arriving in Malaysia, both riders visited Jakarta as guests of Honda Indonesia, who carry the strapline ‘One Heart / Satu Hati’ which is emblazoned on the Spanish duo’s race machines and leathers. Both riders rode their RC213V machines at the Sentul circuit – the first time the Indonesian fans have witnessed a MotoGP bike on home soil.

Sepang is a circuit that all the MotoGP riders know very well, as pre-season testing takes place there each February. The 2,300 acre Sepang International Circuit is one of the World’s best motorsport facilities, holding its first Grand Prix in April 1999 and setting the standard for race circuits Worldwide. With four slow corners following two long straights and ten medium to high-speed corners, the wide track is particularly favourable to overtaking manoeuvres and plenty of open throttle. One of the longest laps in MotoGP is made all the more gruelling for riders by intense heat and humidity. Sepang is located around 50km south of Kuala Lumpur city.

Marc has already clinched the 2014 Championship in Japan, but after his unfortunate crash in Australia he will be looking for redemption. He took second place here in 2013 (MotoGP) and won in 2010 (125cc), but has also scored two DNF’s (2012 and 2009). Teammate Dani will also be looking to get back on top in Sepang to fight for second place in the Championship. He’s enjoyed great success at the Malaysian circuit achieving nine podiums including four victories – 2013, 2012 (MotoGP), 2004 (250cc), 2003 (125cc).

Marc Marquez - World Champion

“It was a shame what happened in Australia, but anyway I was trying a different tactic and I’m lucky to be able to do this with the Championship already won. On the way to Malaysia we visited Jakarta for an event with Honda, riding a MotoGP machine there for the first time which was a nice experience. Sepang is a circuit I like and the Honda performed well there last year with Dani first and myself second. Finding the best setup is very important here, especially in the braking so we will have to work hard on Friday and Saturday to prepare for the race.”

Dani Pedrosa - 4th - 230 points

“I’m happy to put Phillip Island behind us and focus on the race this weekend in Malaysia. This is a track we all know very well and it’s going to be physically demanding as always - due to the weather. The layout has a little of everything, fast and slow corners, hard braking and long straights. Let’s hope we can get a good setup and give ourselves the best chance for the race on Sunday to be back in the fight for second position in the Championship.”

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