MotoGP Australia J2 Marc Marquez (Honda/2): "the wake of Pecco Bagnaia was fundamental, without him I wouldn't be here"

Marc Marquez, after a first day of testing spent testing for Honda including a new aerodynamic package on his RC213V, focused on qualifying, taking advantage of Pecco Bagnaia's aspiration. The eight-time world champion, after setting the best time in FP3, finished second just 13 thousandths from pole, which went to Jorge Martin with a time setting the new Phillip Island track record.

Before recounting his successful day on Saturday in this Australian Grand Prix, Marc Marquez wanted to confirm what the images of the Q2 betrayed: the reference and sillage of Pecco Bagnaia were very useful. We know that with the package we currently have with the Honda, it is impossible to achieve such a time. So we must look for a fast leader. I followed Pecco so I managed to get a good lap ».

He was also able to learn a little more about the Ducati : " I saw how the Ducatis accelerate, how they take time in a straight line. If you have a fast, straight-line motorcycle, it's easier to manage the tire. Right now, I am not able to handle the tire ».

Look at all these guys behind @PeccoBagnaia! 😅

Hold onto your hats, it's about to get wild! 🔥#AustralianGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/66LsWKGenZ

- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) October 15, 2022

**Marc Marquez: “ Pecco Bagnaia was scary, especially in his second run »**

This observation made, he refocuses on his fate and what he can learn from this Australian Grand Prix: “ I'm happy with how the weekend is going. Yesterday we worked for the future, today we worked for the present. We were able to work on the settings and we are slowly recovering, we have a good pace but not enough to be with Pecco Bagnaia who was scary especially in his second run ».

However, he adds: “ we are in the front row, we will see what race we can do. It's difficult to fight for the podium, the Ducatis are very strong and very consistent while we fight more and we are very close to the limit. The choice of rear tire will be important. Realistically we can fight for the Top five, or a podium if everything goes perfectly »

Then he finishes: “ There are still three races left to finish the season, then there is the whole winter and it is only when I try the 2023 bike that I will have clearer ideas. We will see the progress of Ducati and Yamaha but the important thing is that Honda is working. I'm happy, we're going in the right direction ».