Marc Marquez warns against big expectations for Jerez MotoGP race

The Spaniard claimed a record-breaking victory at Austin a fortnight ago, and was on the podium in his debut race in Qatar.

Despite the increased hype and expectation Marquez insists he cannot get carried away with his superlative start to the season, particularly given a return to circuits where his championship rivals have far more premier class experience.

"The Austin race is a weekend I will never forget and I would like to thank you all for all your support and kind messages," Marquez said.

"Now we arrive back to Europe and it's important to keep our feet on the ground and remain focused.

"All the other riders have much more experience than me in these circuits and we will need to work hard.

"We will try our hardest to get the best result, if we can achieve a podium then it would be great. Our goal is to keep learning and finish each race."

Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa followed Marquez home in both races so far this year, but said he was nevertheless buoyed by his pace at the American track.

"Even though I missed out on the victory at Austin, we take many positives from the weekend," Pedrosa said.

"I am happy as we have reduced the gap to the leaders and I have recovered the good feelings that we had pre-season."

HOW MARQUEZ COMPARES

Marquez's first pole and victory came in only his second MotoGP start.

His main 2013 rivals Jorge Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Valentino Rossi all came straight into the top class on competitive machinery as well. Here is how their rookie-season records compare at present.

Races until first pole:

Lorenzo   1  Losail 2008
Marquez   2  Austin 2013
Pedrosa   4  Shanghai 2006
Rossi    18  Welkom 2001

Races until first win:

Marquez  2  Austin 2013
Lorenzo  3  Estoril 2008
Pedrosa  4  Shanghai 2006
Rossi    9  Donington Park 2000

Championship position in first year:
              (points deficit to champion)
Rossi    2nd  88
Lorenzo  4th  183
Pedrosa  5th  37