An untimely engine failure has resulted in multi-time world champion Marc Marquez being forced to record a DNF result at Silverstone’s 12th round of the MotoGP World Championship, which also saw him demoted as series leader.

The Repsol Honda rider is remaining optimistic following the unfortunate circumstances, reflecting on his early form at the venue prior to the engine failure occurring.

“Today was really unlucky,” Marquez reflected. “I was feeling very good on the bike and was there with the others, just trying to manage the race and tyres, especially the front as the temperature was higher than yesterday and I wanted to save it so to attack in the end.

“Everything was going well when I suddenly had a problem with the engine at the end of the straight. It’s a shame of course but that’s something that can happen in racing, and it was the first time for me with Honda.

“The positives are that we were fast here, as we have been at other tracks, and that we’re still there in the championship.”

With a non-finish next to his name, Marquez still holds second in the overall standings, nine points shy of new points leader Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) as the MotoGP World Championship heads to Misano on 10 September for the 13th stop on the calendar.