Marquez concerned over new engine configuration

The Repsol Honda rider, Marc Marquez, topped the timesheets in Australia, but missed out on vital track minutes as his team got to grips with a new engine configuration.

Marquez won a third MotoGP title in 2016, finishing ahead of Movistar Yamaha duo Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez expressed concern over the time he lost to engine issues during the opening day of testing at Phillip Island.

The Repsol Honda rider topped the timesheets in Australia, but missed out on vital track minutes as his team got to grips with a new engine configuration.

"We needed a lot of time to re-adjust all the electronics to this new configuration of engine," said the Spaniard.

"So we lost a lot of time and it is something we need to pay attention to because we don't have this much time on a race weekend. But of course everything is new at the moment.

"Still, for me, we are missing something in the electronic side. It feels like the electronics are on one side and the engine on another side. They are not working together. It is difficult to understand, but they need to fix.

"But at this circuit we don't have our weak point, which is acceleration. Already last year we were fast here and again this year, but still we must work because we are not comfortable in some areas.

"Maybe it's because we were using one type of engine for many, many years and I was riding in one way, and now with this one you need to change a little bit."

The 23-year-old won a third MotoGP title in 2016, finishing ahead of Movistar Yamaha duo Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.