Qatar MotoGP: Marc Marquez downplays his chances of taking victory

The defending champion missed most of pre-season after breaking his leg in a dirt-bike accident last month, and came into the weekend therefore pledging a cautious, patient approach.

While he was still able to snatch pole, Marquez warned that he is not yet fully fit and that he expects his injuries to prove far more of a hindrance over a race distance.

"It was a great surprise for me: this pole position makes me very happy after everything that has happened," he said.

"Tomorrow will be hard for me though because I cannot push with my [right] leg, so I get tired when I do many laps.

"I don't have enough power in my leg, so I use the right arm more and it gets more tired every lap.

"I will try to do my best, take some points and see where we finish."

Marquez admitted however that he was improving every session, and had made a particularly significant leap just before qualifying.

"I'm getting more and more confidence after every session," he said.

"In FP4 we found the way and I felt much better on the bike.

"We did some laps and I was also happy with the rhythm. With a bit of a adrenalin I'm sure I will be able to do a good race."