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The countdown has started. From this Tuesday Marc Marquez will be a Ducati rider in all respects. Although it will be strange to see him without the Honda colours that have characterized him since 2013, we will have to get used to the fact. For his part, he presented himself in front of the press already present at the Sepang circuit fully-energised and ready to demonstrate that he still has a lot to give.
"The winter was positive, I relaxed. On the one hand it was short because you would always like to have more time to prepare physically, on the other it was long because you miss riding a MotoGP bike. Now we still have a month before the start of the championship, so we will proceed step by step", began the Catalan. Certainly, compared to twelve months ago, morally and physically it is already a completely different story. "I'm in better shape than last year. I had surgery on my right arm in November for compartment syndrome, but I recovered quickly. Usually you get to the first day of practice feeling good, but the next day you have pain throughout the body. It's normal."
Among the changes that await him, there is also the type of commitment required, which is no longer aimed at verifying the functioning of new components. "It will be a different pre-season, in which I will have to work on myself, trying to adapt to the Ducati and learn by observing Bagnaia and Martin, as well as learning to communicate with the new technicians. For the rest, I am happy to test myself on tracks that are not friendly like Malaysia and Qatar."
Unlike past years when he trained with a CBR 600, the eight-time world champion had to ride the Ducati V4 S as his primary preparation method. "I used to switch from motocross to MotoGP, but since the accident in 2020, as I was not able to strain my arm anymore, I had to adapt to a road one. In this case Gresini organized the Portimao test. It was good because it allowed me to practice my neck to then suffer less and prepare myself for the speed, but it has nothing to do with our bikes", he declared.
Having ridden in the context of the SBK tests, the Spaniard was able to test their tyres. "They are the classic Michelins which move front and rear and have grip. They are a little too soft, while the harder compound does not cushion much, but it is right that it should be like this for that type of motorcycle", he analysed, before commenting on the three days of shakedown last week with several top class riders starring. "I saw that the new aerodynamics are reminiscent of F1. I don't appreciate it, but the rules allow it. We have to adapt. The times were fast, we'll see how it goes."
So what is the right solution to have more exciting races for the Cervera racer? Apparently not the one chosen by the bosses of the series. "When you have a lot of aerodynamics you struggle to stay in the draft and overtake. We were lucky enough to fight in large groups, but that changes. Personally I would prefer greater development of the chassis, tyres and engine. People want to see overtaking, not very high speeds and the public doesn't see the difference between those who lap three or four tenths faster."
Going back instead to Portugal and the assistance given to Franco Morbidelli carried out together with his brother Alex, he said: "We are opponents, but at the same time we are mates. We were the first to arrive. We saw that Franco was unconscious on the run-off area, in a strange position with his head up. We put him laterally, opened his leather suit and helmet. We waited for the medical staff then just went back to the box. Anyone would have done the same."
To conclude, a comment on Pedro Acosta, already looking awesome right from the start of testing on the premier class KTM. "He's quick and I'm not surprised by his performance. When you come from Moto 2 you have a starting point, even in corners, and a dose of recklessness that allows you to go very fast. Over time you lose these characteristics and gain others. Having said that, I am convinced that he will fight at the front in many races."
