MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez heads to the Grand Prix of the Americas looking to put a disappointing season-opening race in Qatar behind him.

Repsol Honda rider Marquez, who dominated in 2014 on his way to a second straight world title, was left to settle for fifth place in Qatar 10 days ago.

Six-time world champion Valentino Rossi took the race victory at the Losail International Circuit for Movistar Yamaha, with the Ducati pairing of Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone rounding off the podium places.

Rossi's team-mate Jorge Lorenzo was fourth ahead of Marquez, who is keen to move on with success on Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas.

"I'm really looking forward to getting to Austin and putting Qatar behind us," Marquez said. 

"The Circuit of The Americas is one of my favourite circuits and I have good memories of taking my first win in the MotoGP class, back in 2013, and also winning there last year.

"We need to work hard from FP1 and then keep this momentum for the whole weekend and have a 'normal' race."

Marquez will not be joined on the grid by regular team-mate Dani Pedrosa, who is set to miss at least the next two races following surgery on an arm injury, with Honda test rider Hiroshi Aoyama taking his place.

Meanwhile Rossi, despite his victory in the season opener, has been quick to play down expectations of another Yamaha success.

"Beginning the championship with a victory is really nice, but now we must try to be just as competitive as we were in Qatar everywhere else," Rossi said.

"Austin is not our favourite track. Although the track is very modern and I really like some corners, the two long straights are weak points for us.

"Our opponents are strong, but it's also true that our bike has made major improvements. We will work hard to find the best possible solution, as we did at Losail.

"After the victory in Qatar we are all very motivated and we are ready for another weekend. I would like to get on the podium. It won't be easy, but we will try."