MotoGP Argentina J3: Álex Márquez (Ducati/3): “When Zarco arrived, I couldn’t do anything”

Álex Márquez had a particularly tasty weekend at Termas de Río Hondo. Of course on his Desmosedici as in his head, the Spaniard won his first pole position in the premier category and enhanced it with a podium on Sunday. He was the author of a flawless race, or almost, for a long time, alone behind Marco Bezzecchi then caught by Pecco Bagnaia before his fall. Ultimately, he was unable to do anything in the face of Johann Zarco's irresistible comeback at the end of the race.

In the closed park, we found a Alex Marquez beaming, just happy. “ It's a shame about second place, but when Zarco arrived, I said to myself " I have nothing to do ". I'm still very happy, if someone had told me that I was going to get pole and 5th place during the Sprint, to end up with a podium, I would have signed » declared the valiant pilot into the microphones of Dazn.

 

 

Beyond the result, we feel a changed man. There is no doubt that riding such a bike – after spending three seasons on the RC213V – must be sensational. Moreover, the Spaniard lacks superlatives to describe his mount: “ At first I had difficulty adjusting to the Ducati in the wet. The Honda, in these conditions, was small and easy to take. I had some difficulties with the Ducati during testing in Malaysia when the track was wet. Ultimately, the time you save on the straights is very valuable, it makes your life easier » he added. And we take his word for it.

His race testifies to his great talent: world champion in the two lower categories in 2014 and 2019, a feat that only Dani Pedrosa, Manuel Poggiali and his brother Marc have succeeded in achieving in the 21st century, we tended to forget his qualities, his explosiveness and more broadly, his excellent handling. However, he insists: everything is not yet perfect. “ I didn't expect to be so fast, even though I was confident in myself as always. I still don't know the Ducati 100%, we have a lot left to add up. I still had a lot of scares – remember that sway in the main straight during the Sprint – everything is not under control » he continues.

Currently 4th overall, Alex Marquez can allow himself to dream. Will he be the main outsider this year, once he has understood everything about his mount? 

Here are the results for the 2023 Argentine Grand Prix:

 

Classification credit: motogp.com

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport