World champion Marquez admits shoulder injury worry

World motorcycling champion Marc Marquez admitted that his long-standing shoulder problem hampered his performance on the opening day of pre-season testing on Saturday.

Honda rider Marquez, a six-time champion in the sport's elite class, was sixth fastest at the Losail track, 0.361sec behind the Suzuki of Spanish compatriot Alex Rins.

Marquez underwent surgery on his right shoulder last November after a fall in testing in Jerez, aggravating an injury originally picked up at last year's Malaysian Grand Prix.

"Today we started well but I am struggling a bit more than in Malaysia (at a recent test) with my shoulder," said Marquez.

"In the long corners here, especially the long right handers, I feel my shoulder.

"As always, Qatar is not an easy circuit for us and we're aiming to be as strong as possible."
"I had a crash today. This is how you find the limit as a rookie so I'm not focusing on it."