With respect to the previous tests in Malaysia, the latest MotoGP test in Qatar has been decidedly more encouraging for Marc Marquez, who closes fourth with a best time of 1'51.355 aboard the Team Gresini Ducati Desmosedici. The Spaniard knows he still has significant room to improve, particularly considering he is used to a bike as different as the Honda, but he is already showing signs of competitiveness.

Marquez: “My weak point? The time attack”

“I immediately felt comfortable on the bike here in Qatar and was able to better focus on my body and riding position, so I can say that there’s been an improvement in this respect”, explains Marc, whose feet remain firmly on the ground. “Instinct means that I’m still riding as I did with the Honda, but the Ducati is a totally different bike and so I’m slowly changing my style”.

“The time attack went quite well, but for now the flying lap continues to be my weak point. I was very fast in terms of race pace though and also found the limit, as my turn 4 crash demonstrates”, continues #93. “All in all, both me and the team can be pleased, though we’re still a long way off with respect to Bagnaia, Bastianini and Martin, who remain the reference”.