Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS riders Álex Márquez and Joan Mir head into this weekend's Grand Prix of The Americas, the third round of the 2018 Moto2 World Championship, determined to add to their points haul.

Márquez took his first podium of the season in Qatar, securing third position despite being slowed by a problem with his rear brake at mid race distance. In Argentina the former Moto3 World Champion was fifth, after losing ground on the leading group following a coming together with title rival Miguel Oliveira early in the race.

Having watched Eli Tomac take the overall honours in the 450SX class at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross in Minneapolis last weekend, Márquez once again has his sights set firmly on a podium finish as he heads to the Circuit of the Americas, a track he rates as one of his favourites.

Mir heads to Texas determined to continue his upward trajectory in the intermediate class. The Moto2 rookie finished 11th in his first race in Qatar but then went on to secure his first top ten finish with seventh place in the second race of 2018 in Argentina.

The reigning Moto3 World Champion is not a big fan of the Circuit of the Americas layout, but he heads into this weekend's race confident he can improve once again on his previous best result, with the top five being the ultimate goal this weekend.

Álex Márquez:
“Racing in America is always special and the Circuit of the Americas is a track that I like a lot. It's technical, demanding and one at which experience counts for a lot. Last year we did a good job there, only narrowly missing out on a podium finish despite some problems in the race. I hope to make a normal race with no mistakes again this weekend, because we had some issues in both Qatar and Argentina. I arrive in Austin fully rested and fully motivated, having enjoyed a visit to the Supercross in Minneapolis and I'm looking forward to the weekend ahead.”

Joan Mir:
“I have to admit Austin hasn't been one of my favourite circuits in the past, but it has one big advantage for me this year, my first in the Moto2 class. It's a very technical track so it's one where we can learn a lot in the short time we have in each session. Compared to the Moto3 bike I raced last year the Moto2 bike is much heavier, which will make a big difference with the fast changes of direction through the first part of the lap. The goal this weekend is to continue to improve, both with my feeling with the bike and the results.”