An anecdote revealed by Mat Oxley in his biography of Marc Marquez, and shared by Motor Sport magazine, illustrates the extreme experimental methods used by the World Champion to find the limits of what was then his Honda. This story was witnessed firsthand by Jack Miller during the 2018 pre-season tests in Qatar. Here's what he had to say about it…
During the 2018 pre-season tests at the Qatar circuit, Jack Miller followed Marc Marquez. Miller was then piloting for Ducati, While Marquez was the reigning world champion at Honda.
When MillerPerplexed, he returned to the dock and reported that Marquez had lost the front end "on purpose," by deliberately turning the wheel hard. Mat Oxley shares this anecdote in his biography of Marquez, an excerpt of which is available on the Motor Sport magazine website.
Marquez et Miller They now form the most experienced duo on the MotoGP grid. Between them, they have competed in 404 Grands Prix. Jack Miller couldn't believe the "crazy" technique of Marc Marquez to find the limit
According to Piero Taramasso from Michelin, Marquez used a rather unusual method to test the limits of the front tire. The Spaniard explained it to Miller during his visit to the garage Honda.
« No one but Marc Marquez would have taken that risk at night, when the track temperature is lower. »
He was the only pilot to have used harder tires on the cold Losail circuit, in the spotlight.
Marquez He has built a reputation as a driver who takes more risks than his rivals, but it is clear that he does not rely solely on his instinct. He experiments to enrich his experience.
Taramasso he told Oxley: During the 2018 pre-season tests in Qatar, he rode at night with a hard front tire. because he needed that tire to adapt his riding styleNo one else would have taken that risk at night, when the runway temperature is lower, but he told us: “I want to try. " »
« So he went out, and shortly after, Jack returned to his stall. He told us that Marc was in front of him and that he was deliberately losing the front end, pushing the limits. He said it was madness because Marc was holding the car up to speed. »
« After the session, Jack went to Marc's garage and said, "What were you doing in turn six? You were leaning at 20 degrees into the turn and turning the handlebars all the way!" »
« Marc said, "Oh, I was looking for the limit"Because I want to know where she stands and I want to feel her reaction." No one else can do that »
Speaking in March, when the season was still young, Miller had stated that Marquez He had the look of a "racehorse" after sculpting his physique. He may have been the second oldest driver on the grid, but that was a sign that he was "ready to rumble".
The pilot Ducati has won 25 races on 36 possible before injuring his shoulder, thus ending his season. Marquez should return in 2026 for testing MotoGP off-season.
In September, Miller stated that Marquez had proven he was a true competitor by recovering from his arm surgeries. He doesn't think that Marquez was motivated by success or money.
Miller piloted machines Honda satellites during his first three years in the top category, which undoubtedly allowed him to appreciate the exploits of even more Marquez on the RC213V.
