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Although the Superprestigio event seems a one-day affair, in fact there are a few things that happen on the day before the competition starts. Several media events take place, such as press conferences for Open and Superprestigio classes, as well as some posed group photos of the riders and organizers.

Though the dirt track had been installed inside the Palau Sant Jordi, it’s still very soft compared to its ultimate condition after being subjected to hundreds of laps. So to help get it into race shape, several sessions of practice laps are scheduled for the late afternoon.

With no fans yet admitted into the facility, the riders sometimes enter the seats above the track to observe. While Marc Marquez and his brother Alex sat above Turn 2 for a while to watch the other riders, I shot a few portraits of them. At one point Marc looked directly at me, though I was one of several photographers taking advantage of the situation.

Following the Superprestigio event, I wrote a Trackside Tuesday for Asphalt & Rubber in which I described the relaxed vibe in this small paddock, which seemed to me much different from the intensity I usually observe in MotoGP.

Several readers there expressed doubt that I was correct when talking about how this collection of accomplished riders from many different specialties turned down their competitive natures while participating here. They cited Marc Marquez’ on track aggressiveness as a sign that he was not taking the Superprestigio contest lightly at all.

While I stand by my original piece, I must admit there is a certain amount of competitiveness that seems to accompany Marc Marquez whenever climbs aboard a motorcycle. I don’t think anyone in the Superprestigio field, with the possible exception of his brother, Alex, was more serious about riding to win the event.

It’s simply how Marc is. He reminds me often of Marco Simoncelli, who off the bike was friendly and jovial. But tighten the chin strap and head on track, a different person seemed to take over, one who was all business and ready to do whatever was needed to win.

In spite of Marquez’ tearful explanation of the bad publicity caused by his leaked move to Andorra, he was much more relaxed off track than he is in a MotoGP paddock.

Still, he’s never NOT Marc Marquez, is he? Beneath the relaxed manner always lurks the multiple world champ, who can peek out unexpectedly at any moment.

©2014 by Scott Jones / PHOTO.GP – All Rights Reserved

Camera Info: Nikon D4 with Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8

[mgallery keyword=”Marc Marquez”]