Marc Marquez says MotoGP will do just fine without former rival Valentin🔴o Rossi, as this weeken💞d's Qatar MotoGP will signify the beginning of the first premier class season without the nine-time world champion since 2001. 

Marquez, who could tie Rossi for nine world championship wins should he take home the 2022 title ♏⭕-  would also mean both riders are tied on seven apiece MotoGP - was blunt in his response to being asked about a first season without the Italian. 

Marqu✨ez added: "I mean he was not one of the main opponents for the title. In the last years I was looking for the fastest guys. 

"The fastest guys were Pecco [Bagnaia], Quartararo and Joan [Mir] in 2020. Of course MotoGP los☂es an icon, but MotoGP continues. I think it will be a nice season."  

While the Repsol Honda rider is unsure whether a victory challenge will come in Qatar on Sunday, a circuit he’s won just once at since joining MotoGP🌺, the bigger picture for 2022 includ✤es fighting for the world title. 

It's a goal that has been made c𝓰lear on two fronts - the first being his return to full fitness, while the second is due to Honda bringing a much improved RC213V to the fore based off pre-season testing results.  

"Of course for 2022 I want to fight for the title. For the Qatar GP maybe I’♚m not ready, but during the weekend we will see where we are," said Marquez. 

"Honda took a big step with the bike and honestly speaking, I🦹 feel like I changed brands because it꧃’s a completely different bike. 

"Since I arrived in Honda there have always been improvements but the character of the bike and the way to ride was ve💦ry similar. 

"Now it’s a big change. In Malaysia I struggled a bit but in one꧒ lap 🌱I felt the potential and the lap time was coming. 

"Then in Mandalika I already tried to bring the bike to my riding style. During the first races we wil🐻l find small things, but the base is nice."