Source: Supplied.

Defending MotoGP champion and current points leader Marc Marquez says his home Catalunya venue will be difficult to adapt to this weekend for the seventh round of the world championship.

The Repsol Honda rider highlighted the challenge of high curbs on the inside of turns, although following a positive test at the recently resurfaced circuit, he’s adamant on a strong fight for the podium come Sunday.

“I’m very happy anytime we race at home in front of our fans, and I hope to give them an exciting race on Sunday as that special atmosphere always gives you extra energy,” Marquez explained. “We had a good test in Catalunya a few weeks ago, when we also had the chance to check out the layout, in particular the final section, which has been revised.

“I think they also did a really good job with the resurfacing – the tarmac now has very good grip and is very nice to ride on, even if the F1 cars are already starting to affect it by creating bumps at some of the braking points.

“The kerbs are still one of the track’s most challenging aspects – the inside kerbs are very high, and it’s a bit difficult to adapt your riding style to that. That said, it’s a nice track and we’ll try to make the best of it and fight for the podium again.”

After crashing out of the previous round in Mugello, Marquez still holds a healthy 23-point advantage over Movistar Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi.