Marc Marquez, the eight-time world champion, has been a dominant force at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) since his MotoGP debut in 2013. Winning seven times at this circuit on the Honda, Marquez’s move to the Gresini Ducati team has brought about new challenges. Despite his impressive track record at COTA, Marquez is cautious about his expectations for this weekend’s race, acknowledging that he needs to adjust his approach to suit the characteristics of the Ducati.
During Friday’s practice sessions, Marquez found himself having to rethink his strategy on the Ducati, as the riding dynamics of the bike are distinct from those of the Honda. He highlighted the need to ride in a different way and find time in alternative ways in certain corners at COTA. While the Honda excelled in stop-and-go corners, the Ducati demands a different approach, forcing Marquez to concentrate on understanding these nuances in order to improve his lap times.
Shifting Riding Instincts
As Marquez continues to navigate his way through new tracks on the Ducati, he acknowledges that his Honda instincts are gradually fading. Each session presents a challenge as he adapts his riding style to suit the characteristics of the Ducati. Despite the initial difficulties in FP1, Marquez’s ability to quickly learn and adapt, coupled with the support of his team, has been key in his progress on the new bike.
Despite facing set-up issues in the opening practice session, Marquez was pleased with the way his Gresini team responded to his feedback and made the necessary adjustments. Their quick reactions led to an improvement in his bike’s performance, allowing Marquez to feel more comfortable and consistent on the Ducati. This collaborative effort between the rider and the team has set a positive tone for the upcoming sessions, as they focus on refining the finer details of the bike’s set-up.
Looking Ahead
As Marquez continues his journey with the Gresini Ducati team, he remains focused on adapting his riding style and refining his approach to suit the demands of the new bike. Despite the challenges he faces in transitioning from the Honda to the Ducati, Marquez’s determination and ability to quickly learn and adjust have been evident in his progress on the track. With each session, he gains valuable experience and knowledge that will contribute to his success in future races.
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