MotoGP, Portugal J2, Marc Marquez (Ducati/Q8-S2): “it’s always a real pleasure to compete against Jorge Martin”

Marc Marquez, the illustrious eight-time world champion, enthusiastically shares his impressions after finishing the Sprint race of the Portuguese Grand Prix in second position. Following an efficient start from a third row due to a qualifying blunder, Marquez was able to bring his Gresini Racing team Ducati Desmosedici GP23 to a successful conclusion, finishing behind Jorge Martin after a spectacular overtake.

During an interview with Sky Sport, Marc Marquez does not hide his pleasure of competing with a driver of the caliber of Martin, emphasizing the speed and impressive form of the latter on the handlebars of the Ducati. " It's always a real pleasure to compete against Martin because he exploits the Ducati brilliantly and is at the top of his form, " explain Marquez. " I maintained my position in fifth place, but when you have the speed you can take your chances. Step by step, I gain confidence with the Ducati. This weekend is fun, we'll see what Sunday brings, but there is a noticeable difference in speed and motivation."

Marc Marquez: “ I regret my mistake in qualifying, I lowered the level control too early »

Despite his satisfaction with the race result Sprint, Marc Marquez looks back on the mistake that cost him a better position in qualifications. “ I'm happy with the Sprint race, but I regret my mistake in qualifying. I lowered the level control too early in a corner, which caused a loss of grip at the rear, and consequently, at the front. These faults have a major impact on the race because they relegate us to the back of the grid, » he admits. « If I was in the front row I would tell you we can win on Sunday » he assures. 

Fortunately for Marc Marquez, his fall in qualifying, in the same place where he almost fell during the Sprint race, turned out to be not serious. However, he recognizes that he still needs to learn to control certain reactions from the bike. “ We made a change this weekend that made me feel better in tight corners, closer to my riding style, shaped after eleven years on the Honda. But in fast turns I lose time, especially at the last turn, where I have difficulty, » concludes the pilot Gresini Ducati.

MotoGP, Portugal J2: Starting grid:

MotoGP, Portugal J2: Sprint classification

Credit classification motogp.com