Alex Marquez talks about his new stage in MotoGP, and the most discussed topics in the championship.
By Mireia Pérez / Motosan.es
Álex Márquez is going through a period of change. The LCR Honda rider until this season, makes the jump to Ducati, to Gresini in 2023. Rider #73 participated in the event organized by Rodi Motor Services to take stock and talk about his new challenges and objectives for the 2023 season. The Motosan team had the opportunity to interview him in the workshop offices.
What do you expect from this new stage at Ducati?
« I'm excited and looking forward to it. This year hasn't been easy, but I think it's when you have difficulties that you really learn, and you get tougher. When you decide to make a change, it's because you need a change of scenery, new motivation and new challenges. I look at the results obtained by the Italian brand and I see that this is what I want to achieve. With Ducati, from the first moment I had a good feeling, I can't wait to have more days with them and to start, because only one day was short. I hope this will be an important year for me and that the changes will help me take a step forward. »
What can you bring to the Italian brand and what can it bring to you?
« We both have to contribute, although I think where I come from they can give me more than I can give them. I wanted to have the peace of mind of having a competitive bike and that the results depend on me, in my hands. I'm excited and motivated, we're here to get results and that's the number one goal. »
How do you see Honda for the 2023 season?
« Honda is no longer my problem. From now on, what they do is up to them. But it is true that Honda is part of my past and I will always be grateful for the opportunity they gave me. I know what I will have this season, they don't know. But if they are not very competitive, it is better for us. »
What do you think of the sprint races that will take place on Saturday?
« I think these races will be positive. I don't know if it's a good idea to have them for the first year at all the races, but I think it will add to the show. For the drivers the weekend will be more intense, it will be different and we will have to train for that during the pre-season and know how to handle it. »
Do you think it was necessary to raise the minimum age to participate in the world championship?
« Going around the world at 18 is appropriate, not when you're underage, but the promotion cuts, I think they should think about that. It doesn't make sense for many drivers to stay in the Spanish championship for six years, because the costs are also very high until they get to the world championship. »
Do you think Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa were right when they said there is now a good atmosphere in MotoGP?
« In the end, they are somewhat right. Before, there was more fighting on the track, even if it was healthy, but I think it's generations. Social networks have also influenced this good climate between everyone. I always said I would never have a friend on the track. I had a really good relationship with Xavi Virgo, but then on the track we both knew that if we were to push each other and touch each other, we would touch each other. »
What do you think about the evolution of motorcycles with aerodynamics?
« Until this year I didn't agree, but now with Ducati I do. At the end of the day, you look after your own interests and Ducati is one of the best bikes in terms of aerodynamics. I think the championship needs to reconsider it, but it's a problem between the manufacturers and the championship. »
Ticket sales are down. Why you think ?
« There were the retirements of Rossi, Lorenzo and Pedrosa in a row, which meant a lot of the riders' fans were lost, but I think the motorcycling fans are still there. It is a question of time to arouse this interest again, and to know how to transmit it to new generations. I think we are now missing that figure who set the benchmark, maybe we are missing that Marc Márquez who set the benchmark. »
How are you going to spend these last few days before the start of pre-season?
« During the year I live in Madrid, far from my family, and this Christmas I want to be with them in Cervera. I want to relax, recharge my batteries and from January 1 start the physical pre-season, which is the most important time to last the whole year. »
Read the original article on Motosan.es
Mireia Perez
