Marc Marquez: Wet P1 stressful Saturday ahead, Acosta save a good one?
Spanish rider Marc Marquez had a busy start to his first race weekend with Gresini Ducati in Qatar. Overcoming his old Honda instincts, even in wet track conditions, Marquez made an immediate impact, setting the fourth fastest time (+0.177s) in Friday’s first practice session at Lusail.
The highlight came in the second stage, when unexpected overnight rain allowed Marquez to ride the Desmosedici in wet conditions. Normally, this would guarantee the eight-time world champion direct entry into Saturday’s Qualifier 2. However, the wet track under the floodlights has never been attempted in a MotoGP race.
In consultation with the race management, the majority of participants voted to change the water training to free training for safety reasons. Drivers such as Marquez and Jack Miller were said to be against the change. This led to the Q2 entry being changed to an extended practice session on Saturday, directly followed by qualifying.
In an interview with MotoGP.com, Marquez expressed his desire to have a good day and highlighted the change of schedule and the fact that he will experience Ducati for the first time in the rain in Qatar. He said: “I was looking for a balance day. The main goal was to try to qualify for Qualifier 2 but they changed the schedule and moved practice to Saturday. Anyway, I got to test the Ducati bike for the first time in the race. It was raining in Qatar, which was very strange, but I felt good and I’m happy.”
The change in schedule means that some leaders must make timely attacks in less than an hour in three consecutive sessions (P3, Q1, Q2). Marquez expected a stressful Saturday, which highlighted the need to control the old Honda instincts in difficult conditions.
Despite the challenges, Marquez praised the incredible performance of Pedro Acosta, a great rookie who he had previously described as a strong contender for wins and even the championship this season. KTM-riding Acosta showed off his Marquez-style skills with a stunning comeback at the first corner of dry practice.
“It was good! Trust me,” Marquez said of Acosta’s impressive recovery. Marquez recognized the talent of the young rider and predicted a promising future for Acosta in the MotoGP world.
Marc Marquez’s debut weekend with Gresini Ducati was full of challenges, adjustments and compliments from other riders, ahead of an exciting season.
