The eight-time grand prix world champion had an impressive debut on the 2023-spec Ducati in Qatar, securing a fifth-place finish in the sprint and improving to fourth in the Grand Prix.
Marquez applied pressure on Pramac’s Jorge Martin for third during the latter stages of the race, narrowing the gap to within four-tenths of a second at one point. However, grappling with front tyre issues, Marquez refrained from pushing harder for fear of crashing in the closing laps.
Reflecting on his performance, Marquez highlighted the improved start strategy, enabling him to manage his tyres efficiently throughout the race.
He acknowledged the need for adjustments in his riding style to fully adapt to the Ducati’s requirements but expressed satisfaction with his steady progress.
Looking ahead to the next race in Portimao, Marquez anticipates starting afresh without the benefit of prior test data, emphasizing the ongoing refinement of his riding technique.
