RiderTua.com – In the FP1 session, Marc Marquez appeared impressive in almost ideal conditions. The newcomer to the Gresini Ducati team immediately found a smooth rhythm with his GP23. But what is very striking, instead of just focusing on his non-Honda opponents like in 2023, Marc is trying to find his own way.
“I still have to get used to not falling into the system of the Honda era. Once I was in a group, I became busier and tempted to look for the slipstream of other riders. But with Ducati, that’s not the way. Today I quickly found the rhythm “I was calm during the second run on a clear track. I rode the Ducati more smoothly and successfully,” said the 31-year-old rider who posted the fastest time in Friday’s practice at Qatar’s Lusail circuit.
Marc Marquez: Tempted to look for other riders’ slipstreams even though that’s not Ducati’s way
Marc Marquez also felt relieved when he did his bike. “My bike is good because it feels exactly like the last test. With the same strengths and weaknesses. But the fact that we are at the same level as before gives us a sense of security,” added the Spanish rider
Where are Marc Marquez’s current strengths and weaknesses? “I still have weaknesses in fast corners, but I excel on the brakes,” he stressed.
However, Marc was not completely satisfied with the way Friday’s training went and the change in format. “When it’s wet, we decide whether it makes sense to change the schedule and not make it until tomorrow. I’m in favor of not changing the plan. Because if the route is open, then it’s safe. So we can attack too. Well, with the pressure that we have to face tomorrow at the moment “consecutive practice, qualifying and sprints, I think it will only get worse. But I accept that decision,” said Alex Marquez’s older brother and teammate.
The last statement from Marc Marquez was about the debate regarding which rider has the best chance of achieving pole position. “I’ve seen it. For me, the biggest strength lies with Jorge (Martin) and Pecco (Bagnaia). They know the Ducati better and take full advantage of it. Pecco is stronger, especially in the first corner of the track. I think one of the two will be the one top in qualifying,” concluded the Baby Alien.
