Marquez Identifies Ducati Challenger in MotoGP Rivalry
Gresini MotoGP team rider Marc Marquez is facing serious challenges adapting to the Ducati, as evidenced by the official pre-season test at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
After a successful 72-lap practice session on Wednesday, Marquez finished the day in 14th place on the timesheets, almost a second slower than the factory Ducati driven by Ennia Bastianini. Despite improving on the mechanical problems that plagued him on the first day of testing, Marquez revealed the need to adjust his riding style in his move from Honda to Ducati.
The Spaniard highlighted that the use of brakes and rear tires on the Ducati showed significant differences compared to the Honda RC213V. The contrast is not only a technical challenge, but also a change in mentality, as Marquez emphasizes the need to break free from habits acquired over 11 years at Honda.
“The way the rear tires are used is completely different,” explains Marquez. “It was OK in Valencia, but not here. And now I have to break 11 years of habit. It’s difficult.”
The competitor, who is trying to get the best performance from last year’s Ducati, emphasized that it is difficult to take advantage of the motorcycle’s rear grip, which mainly affects acceleration in fast corners.
“I still have to understand the rear grip because it has a lot, but you have to understand how to use it. And that’s why I can keep good speed with a used tire, but with a new tire I still don’t. That’s enough. “
Marquez marked a positive point in his adaptation to Ducati by highlighting a competitive performance at the breaking point compared to other Ducati riders. However, he acknowledged the need to improve on exiting corners quickly, where he currently faces more problems.
“The way the Ducati motorcycle stops is different [compared to the Honda],” Marquez noted. “But I’m not losing at the breaking point. On the contrary, I’m gaining compared to the other Ducati riders. At the moment, I’m losing the most in cornering, especially fast corners.”
As Marquez continues his adaptation process at Ducati, the technical challenges and the need to adjust riding style add an interesting layer to the MotoGP rivalry. Fans and fans alike now look forward to seeing how this dynamic unfolds over the course of the season as the Spaniard looks to overcome obstacles for his new keeper.
