Marc Marquez had an eventful Friday at the Algarve International Circuit, with a mix of positive and negative experiences. The Gresini rider ended the day on a high note by securing a spot in Q2 on Saturday after an impressive performance in the second practice session. However, his day took a turn for the worse when he experienced his first crash on the Ducati during a time attack lap.
Marquez attributed his crash to a “small change” made to the bike, which gave him more confidence to push harder. He emphasized the importance of confidence in pushing the limits and gradually improving his performance on the track. However, the crash itself highlighted a fundamental issue with Marquez’s riding style on the Ducati compared to the Honda.
Marquez admitted that his instinct for riding the Honda kicked in during the time attack lap, leading to the crash. He acknowledged that the Ducati required a different approach and a shift in his riding style to fully exploit its potential. The incident prompted Marquez to reassess his approach to cornering and braking on the Ducati, recognizing the need for a more measured and controlled riding style.
Despite the crash, Marquez expressed his enjoyment of riding the Ducati in Portugal and his growing confidence in managing a race distance. He contrasted his experience in Qatar, where he struggled with confidence and felt constrained in his riding style. In Portugal, Marquez felt a noticeable improvement in his comfort with the bike, thanks to his crew chief’s better understanding of his needs and effective communication.
Marquez highlighted the importance of understanding his requirements from the bike to improve his lap times and confidence on the Ducati. He emphasized the collaborative effort between himself and his crew chief in fine-tuning the bike to his preferences and building trust in his riding abilities. Marquez’s evolving approach to the Ducati signified a gradual adaptation to a new riding style that maximizes the bike’s potential and his performance on the track.
Marc Marquez’s experience at the Algarve International Circuit showcased the challenges and rewards of transitioning to a new bike and adapting his riding style accordingly. The crash served as a valuable lesson for Marquez in understanding the nuances of the Ducati and the need for a refined approach to riding. As he continues to refine his technique and build confidence on the Ducati, Marquez’s journey towards unlocking its full potential promises an exciting evolution in his riding style.
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