MotoGP VIDEO: when Pecco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez talk about the Ducati, it's worth the detour

Davide Tardozzi pointed it out during the Sepang tests, Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia exchanged their impressions on the Ducati Desmosedici, despite their expected rivalry this year on the track. A dialogue that highlighted the specific challenges Marc Marquez faces in adapting to this new motorcycle, particularly regarding the riding differences compared to the Honda RC213V he previously rode. Here's what the two champions said to each other...

In this exchange Marc Marquez recognizes that he still has to learn to pilot the Ducati optimally, particularly with regard to attacks on a lap against the clock and how to manage acceleration in corners. It also underlines the stability of the Ducati, noting that it continues to push even when cornering, which is different from what he was used to with the Honda.

bagnaia also seems to recognize the strengths of the Ducati, notably its stability, although he points out that it can seem a little heavier and less agile in changes of direction compared to the Honda.

Pecco Bagnaia points this out and Marc Marquez agrees: no, the Ducati is not that easy to ride

This dialogue provides an interesting insight into the challenges facing pilots MotoGP face when changing motorcycles and the complexity of adapting to new riding styles and different motorcycle characteristics. Here is the reported conversation...

Bagnaia: How is the bike? Difficult, huh?

Márquez: Difficult… Yes, but…

Bagnaia: It's different.

Marquez: It's different.

Bagnaia: I was behind you and I saw that you were driving it like the Honda.

Márquez: Yes, I have to understand how to drive it. In this case the tire had 22 turns. We could see it. But I have to figure out how to do the time attacks, because with the Honda you can go into a corner and it starts accelerating right away, but with this it's different because the bike doesn't turn. Yes, time attack is what I need to understand. Running pace is easier.

Bagnaia: Yes, because at the end of the day the bike is still, it is stable.

Márquez: It is stable, it goes on and on and on and on.

Bagnaia: Maybe it's a little heavy, but it's stable.

Márquez: I don't feel it heavier.

Bagnaia: When I looked at the Honda, it looked like it was quicker in changing direction.

Marquez: When they put the big aerodynamics, no.

Bagnaia: The last one?

Marquez: Yes.