Marquez: Qatar win talk foolish

The reigning world champion broke his right leg in a dirt-bike crash in Barcelona a month ago, ruling him out of two of the three pre-season tests - although he had topped every day of the one test he did attend.

"We cannot say I come here to fight for the victory because I missed two tests," said Marquez.

"The important thing was that at the first test I felt so good."

Marquez admitted that he had only been able to start walking again in the last few days.

"Honestly, five days ago, I was not able to walk," he said.

"But step by step it's become better.

"So if I can walk, I think on the bike it'll be OK."

He doubts he will have sufficient fitness though to maintain maximum pace over a race distance.

"My physical condition is not 100 per cent because with my injury I wasn't able to exercise," said Marquez, "so for long distances it will be difficult.

"But I feel OK and motivated for the start of the season. It was difficult to be at home and watch the other riders testing and doing many, many laps.

"The injury will be maybe the biggest problem.

"That month and a half without the bike might be a problem in first practice, but then over the weekend I need to check how that leg is because at this circuit nearly all the corners are right-handers."