Champion Marc Marquez hoping for Montmelo improvements

Marc Marquez hopes to get his MotoGP title defence back on track at his home grand prix in Montmelo this weekend.

The double world champion has failed to replicate the form that saw him dominate the sport over the past two years as hopes of a third successive title hang in the balance.

A crash at the last race in Italy saw the Spaniard slip 49 points behind championship leader Valentino Rossi, leaving Marquez in no doubt he has plenty to do if he wants to make it three in a row.

"It was disappointing to crash out in Mugello [the Italian Grand Prix] but this can happen when you're on the limit," he told the official MotoGP website.

"This weekend we head to Catalunya for my home GP and we have a lot of work to do to prepare the bike.

"I've had good results at this track and won there last year, so will hope to do the same in front of all my fan club! Let's hope we can have a good battle and put on a good show."

Meanwhile, Marquez's Repsol Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa is confident he is nearing full fitness after missing three of the six races this season due to arm surgery.

He said: "Mugello was pretty positive as I can feel my arm improving all the time.

"I've continued my rehabilitation since the race and now we head to my home race in Montmelo.

"We have a busy weekend ahead as we need to work hard on the bike to solve some issues. Set-up is key at this track as you spend so much time on the edge of the tyre."