MotoGP 2019 season starts today with the world’s best riders about to lock horns in the Qatar 2019 Grand Prix.
Marc Marquez is bidding for his sixth MotoGP championship - which would also be the Repsol Honda star’s fourth in a row.
But he faces stiff competition from new teammate Jorge Lorenzo, Ducati rival Andrea Dovizioso and the legendary Valentino Rossi.
Marquez is starting the MotoGP season opener in third place, behind pole sitter Maverick Vinales and Dovi in second.
Speaking ahead of today’s race, Marquez said: “I’m very happy to be here on the front row because I don't know if it's the worst circuit on the calendar, but it's one of the most difficult for us and we are very close to the top guys.
“I don’t know [why it's difficult for us] because I've only rode the Honda.
“But like Dovi said, this is a very special track.
“For example with this new bike I felt really strong in Jerez and Malaysia, but since we arrived here I felt like we were struggling like every year.”
MotoGP live stream - How to watch Qatar 2019 Grand Prix online (Image: GETTY)
And speaking about his chances in today’s race, Marquez added: “These two guys [Vinales and Dovizioso]
