Márquez Looks to Confirm Austrian GP Performance at Aragon GP
Marc Márquez, one of MotoGP’s biggest stars, is determined to maintain the competitive pace he displayed at the Austrian GP as he prepares for the upcoming Aragon GP. Although he hasn’t been on the podium since MotoGP returned from its summer break, Márquez showed promising signs in Austria, where a starting device failure hindered him at the start, but he still managed to recover positions and finished in fourth place.
Márquez’s performance in Austria was remarkable, especially considering the difficulties he faced at the British GP, where he also finished fourth. However, his performance in Spielberg came on an unusual weekend due to the special construction of the rear tires provided by Michelin. Due to the specific demands of the Red Bull Ring circuit, Michelin opted to use tires with a harder construction, which may have positively influenced Márquez’s performance and that of the other bikes.
As the Aragon GP approaches, Márquez has expressed caution about the possibility of maintaining this level of performance. “The [tire] changes again to a standard one in Aragon,” Márquez explained after the Austrian race. “We’ll see if I feel as good on the bike with the special tire for Austria or also with the [standard 2024] tire—we will understand that in Aragon.”
Aragon, a circuit that was absent from the 2023 calendar due to a resurfacing process, now returns with a new surface that promises more grip. Additionally, Michelin is bringing harder compounds to Aragon and three rear tire options instead of the usual two, to adapt to the high temperatures expected at this time of year.
Historically, Márquez has excelled at Aragon, a circuit that has always favored his riding style. With victories in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 in the premier class, he seeks to repeat this success. However, the unique conditions this year, with the new asphalt and tire changes, make the race unpredictable.
Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s Two-Wheel Motorsport Manager, highlighted that controlling tire wear and heat will be the main challenge of the weekend. “Given the expected conditions, we have chosen fairly hard rubber compounds from our new ranges, as track temperatures here could reach 50°C,” Taramasso explained.
The question remains whether Márquez will be able to confirm his Austrian performance and return to the podium at Aragon. Regardless of the outcome, the race promises to be a true test of skill and strategy for the Spaniard, who seeks to solidify his position among the best of the season.
