MotoGP, Austin J2, Marc Marquez (Ducati/Q3-S2): “every day I feel like I’m progressing”

Marc Marquez claimed a podium finish in the Grand Prix of the Americas sprint at the Circuit of the Americas, ahead of championship leader and GP24 colleague Jorge Martin, to secure second place. However, the Gresini Ducati rider failed to compete on his GP23 with Aprilia official Maverick Viñales, who dominated the race from start to finish.

Although Marc Marquez struggled to stand up to Viñales during qualifying, he stressed the importance of this phase before the Sprint. “ Qualifications are crucial during the weekend because going to the front line offers more easily the opportunity to measure yourself against the best ", told Marquez after taking third place in Q2. “

« Yesterday we were a little far away, but on Saturday we got closer. However, there are still aspects to be refined. that I tested in FP2 to see if it improves our running pace. Every day I feel like I'm progressing » he rejoices.

Marc Marquez: “ When Pedro Acosta attacked, I knew it was time »

During the Sprint race, Marquez managed to keep up with Viñales for the first few laps until the Top Gun set a new lap record and pulled ahead. A little after, Marc Marquez found himself confronted with Peter Acosta et George Martin. Acosta launched an offensive during the sixth round, but Marquez resisted, then demonstrating impressive speed to outrun Martin who had exceeded Acosta during the same round.

Marc Marquez commented on this struggle by saying: “ it was harder than I expected. I was pretty strong in the first round, then the second, but I started to feel worse after that. I then decided to wait for the right moment to take the lead, and when Pedro attacked, I knew it was time ».

« This is where I made a lap half a second faster and I was able to widen the gap ". Then he finishes: “ nevertheless, we must analyze for Sunday what we can improve to stay in touch with Viñales »

MotoGP, Austin J2: Qualifying

MotoGP, Austin J2: Sprint classification

Credit classification motogp.com