Alex Marquez did not hide his joy during the presentation of his new team Gresini to be the new member of the Ducati clan for this 2023 MotoGP season, which he has already described as crucial for his career. He proclaims to anyone who will listen that this time he is in the right place at the right time to show everyone that he was not a Moto3 World Champion like one crowned in Moto2 by default. It also confirms that between Japan and Europe, the mentality is polar opposite in the approach to the competition. However, he points out that Honda has a chance: his brother Marc Marquez, whom he names as favorite for the title this year. The bond of blood is decidedly stronger than that of the ground on which his stable is camped.
Alex Marquez got back to health this winter, an invigorating period which in fact began from the first turns of the wheels with the Ducati GP22, which will be its machine for 2023 under an awning Gresini including the pilot he replaces, Enea Bastianini, finished third in the last MotoGP championship, with four victories. Alex Marquez is therefore not among amateurs and the succession will be heavy to assume. He knows it, but before returning to the track with his Italian Sepang, he kept within himself the excellent first sensations of the Valencia test last November: “ it's a different bike and I certainly didn't expect to ride straight away from the first lap in the Honda's times, or even better, since I had the medium tire on the back ».
He adds : " I didn't immediately feel comfortable, because the ergonomics and the position on the saddle are very different from the Honda, so I didn't ride with much confidence, but the times came right from the start. first round and that's a great signal. I felt very good with the engine and the way it delivers power, but I still have to improve certain things, because having driven for another manufacturer, I need to change my driving style a little ". He specifies in comments read on GP One : " I will have to learn and copy some things from the riders who have already ridden this bike. It will be a very interesting offseason for me. I will try to adapt and be ready for the first race in Portimao, to start the year well ».
Alex Marquez: “ in MotoGP if you have the right bike and the right team you can do anything«
By discovering the new motorcycle, he also explored another working method which completely confirms the edifying words of Davide Brivio on the difference in approach to the competition between Japan and Europe: “ it seems that European manufacturers have advantages, but not because of their geographical positioning. They have a different mentality when it comes to work and are much quicker to produce new things » commented the youngest Marquez. " It seems that European manufacturers are faster and with a mentality that seems to benefit their drivers » insists the pilot of 26 years.
Then he returns to the fact that he also had to rebuild himself mentally after his period Honda : " After the Valencia test I took a break because I had reached a bit of a mental limit. I ended the season a bit on the edge, because of the whole situation I experienced and I have often said that I felt alone inside the box, but now it's in the past. It's something I suffered from, but I also learned from this situation ". An experience that makes him appreciate even more the good times he is discovering now: “ the Ducati is the benchmark and I'm at a great time in a great place. I always say that anything is possible in MotoGP and if you have the right situation, with the right bike and the right team, you can do anything. This is the objective for this year. The sensations are fantastic and the motivation is always there ».
But then, Alex Marquez will he gain the upper hand over his illustrious older brother? Marc Marquez ? The younger one doesn’t push that far… “ It doesn't matter the bike or the name: when the season starts, you're on par with everyone else, because everyone is starting from scratch. We know that Marc is the strongest driver on the grid. He is the driver with the most world titles and I think he will be the favorite this year. I've seen him train a lot and I don't feel better or worse than him. We will all start on an equal footing and we will see in the first races. I feel good at the moment. I tried to improve a little and learn something from him, because he is my brother and we train together » he finishes.
