- Postecoglou says hype will not affect teenage star Moore
- PSG reject league order to pay Mbappe 55 mn euros in back pay
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- Gritty Shakeel century gives Pakistan lead over England in third Test
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- Ancelotti 'not losing sleep' over improved Barca ahead of Clasico
- New Zealand lead by 301 after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
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- UK climate strategy ruled lawful in landmark court case
- Lebanon says Israeli strike that killed media workers a 'war crime'
- Slot targets Arsenal scalp after flying start for Liverpool
- Shakeel's gritty century lifts Pakistan to parity in third Test
- Uganda court sentences former LRA commander to 40 years
- Marc Marquez clocks lap record to go fastest in Thai MotoGP practice
- Smog in Pakistan megacity ends outdoor play for schoolkids
- New Zealand on top after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
- 'End of an era' for Hezbollah after Israel killed its leader
- 'End of an era' for Hezbollah after Israel's killed its leader
- Lebanon minister says Israel strike puts second Syria crossing out of service
- Ahmed triple strike leaves Pakistan 187-7 in third Test
- Lebanon says Israeli strike killed 3 media workers
- Asia markets diverge after Tesla boosts Wall Street
- Tunisian freediver Walid Boudhiaf eyes records and developing the sport
- Schauffele makes up ground in Japan after opening-day nightmare
- Santner takes seven as New Zealand bowl out India for 156
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- Locals fume as Lisbon's historic trams become tourist 'toy'
- India 107-7 after Santner takes four wickets for New Zealand
- Myanmar rebels take the road to Mandalay
- Taiwan president says 'won't yield an inch' in defence of island's territory
- Thunder roll past Jokic's Nuggets to open NBA campaign
- Bezzecchi quickest in opening practice for Thai MotoGP
- Commonwealth struggles to overcome splits over brutal past
- Stafford throws four touchdowns as Rams beat Vikings
- More than 150 Rohingya refugees rescued off Indonesia: UN
- Thai massacre families demand justice as charge deadline expires
- Asia markets split after Tesla boosts Wall Street
- Stung in Europe, Bayern and Dortmund face tricky away trips
- Confident Barca visit unpredictable Liga champions Madrid
- Arsenal face must-win match against Premier League pacesetters Liverpool
- Parra's Stade Francais 'lacking confidence' before hosting Clermont
- 'Our pride': Lone child brings hope to Japan's puppet village
- Thompson nets first USA goal in 3-1 friendly win over Iceland
- Biden to issue historic apology for abuse of Native American children
- Baseball blockbuster as Yankees, Dodgers clash in World Series
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Marquez eyes French MotoGP victory but plays down title talk
Marc Marquez approaches the French MotoGP emboldened by his impressive display in Spain where he finished second after a thrilling duel with two-time defending champion Francesco Bagnaia.
However, the 31-year-old is not talking up his chances of a seventh world crown -- yet.
Plagued by injuries and then vision issues in the past few years some feared his best days were behind him.
For Marquez, though, the manner in which he first secured pole and then harried Bagnaia to the line in Jerez on his satellite Ducati-Gresini was another step on his way back to the top.
It was his best finish since also filling the runner-up spot in the Australian MotoGP in October, 2022.
"I won, in terms of my plan, in the path I have in my head, and I am getting better and better," said Marquez.
"Now I must maintain my consistency from the last few races."
Marquez, whose 59th and last win came at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in October 2021, lies just 32 points adrift of series leader Jorge Martin after four races.
However, he dismisses any talk of him being a title contender.
"For me, it is way too early," he said. "That is not to say I don't want to win the title, but it is too early to think of it because I know, and I already understood, I will have plenty of trouble on several tracks.
"We shall see, but for the moment it is necessary to approach the races like that."
- 'Calm me down' -
Marquez, though, is surprised he is just over 30 points adrift of his compatriot Martin, who rides a Ducati-Pramac.
"I am really surprised because I had a terrible start to the campaign," he said.
"That suggests we are racing to our limits, that there will still be a lot of zeros and the title race will be very close.
"For me, it is already a source of pride to be battling with the Ducati leaders."
Jerez was also equally significant for Ducati factory rider Bagnaia as he had not won since the season opener in Qatar. He is now just 17 points off Martin.
The 25-year-old is seeking a third successive world title.
If successful he would be the first Italian to be a triple world champion on an Italian manufactured bike since the legendary Giacomo Agostini won his third (1966) of eight titles on the MV Agusta.
"Our goal is always to win," Bagnaia told Speedweek.
"The season is long, and even though Jorge Martin took a lead at the start, I am confident in our ability to come back. We closed the gap, and every race counts."
Bagnaia -- a superstitious type who will as ever go through his pre-race routine "touch the bike, kiss my glove and tap the tank as it calms me down" -- said this year's campaign reminds him of his first championship winning year.
"We have collected a lot of data that should help us overcome the current problems," he said.
"This is a similar situation to 2022, and I am confident we will succeed."
L.Miller--AMWN