MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez explained the reasoning behind his extra ‘scooter’ style brake on his RC213V after the opening day of free practice at the Sepang International Circuit.

The World Champion ended the opening day of free practice in sixth place after not completing a flying lap on his final run in FP2, the main story of the day for the Spaniard was after he rolled his RC213V out for the afternoon with an extra ‘scooter’ style brake on his Honda.

When asked about the extra brake lever, the Spaniard explained that it was an experiment to help him improve going through right-handed corners.

“This morning both bikes were standard,” said the 26-year-old.

“Then in the afternoon both had the modification. I’ve already tried this solution in the past and liked it, but now we’ve modified it slightly. I need it when at full lean, I’m trying to be quicker through right-hand turn, but for now it’s just a first approach.

“I’d like to continue using it because the lever makes the job easier, not the thumb lever because I like to have the lever in my hand, as I got used to using the clutch in MX, but I still need to understand if it can give me a real advantage.”

Marquez was undeterred by ending the day in sixth position, explaining that his race pace is only behind that of Vinales’, but may have a challenge to be on the front row in qualifying.

“If we look at the FP2 result, it looks like I’m far back, but I didn’t put in the fresh tyre for the time attack,” he said.

“I’m in a good place in terms of pace and think I’m only second to Vinales. In terms of the flying lap, Fabio and the Yamahas are quicker than me, and that’s been the case for a few races already.

“They have good grip and so it won’t be easy for me in qualifying, but I’m working well in preparation for the race.”