The eight-time grand prix world champion will embark on his first season on Ducati equipment this 12 months, having spent 11 seasons with Honda.
Ending pre-season testing in aggressive kind, Marquez mentioned final month that he was on the lookout for the ultimate three tenths of lap time to get on phrases with the main riders.
Talking forward of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, Marquez says he’s feeling good on the 2023-spec Ducati after a “utterly completely different” pre-season, however doesn’t consider he’ll issue within the podium struggle.
“In fact, [it] was a totally completely different pre-season as a result of I used to be used [to] using, simply making an attempt issues for the bike and growing a motorbike,” Marquez mentioned.
“However this winter was the exact opposite. I used to be centered on myself, making an attempt to adapt my using type to the brand new bike, and from the start I really feel not unhealthy.
“Nonetheless, there are various issues to study and lots of issues to enhance, particularly studying from the highest guys inside Ducati.
“In the mean time I really feel snug, not able to struggle for the rostrum, not able to struggle for the victory, however step-by-step we have to create the bottom and attempt to perceive through the race weekends the place we’re.”
Marc Marquez, Gresini Racing
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Photos
Marquez acknowledges the expectation on his shoulders to carry out on the bike that received the championship final 12 months, however insists there’s “no rush” to get there.
He additionally admits that he’s now at a stage in his profession that he should begin to “study” from the youthful riders round him to stay aggressive.
“It’s true that the expectation is tremendous excessive, however I do know what I go these final 4 years, I do know the place I’m coming from and I do know the place I faux to reach,” he mentioned, referencing his arm harm in 2020 and the following years of wrestle on the Honda.
“However I would like my time, there’s no rush. I don’t faux to reach right here and attempt to win from the start as a result of it is going to be an enormous mistake, particularly as a result of the final two years I used to be not in a position to win even a single race.
“So, to start with I would like to finish a base. I arrive in a producer the place two, three guys, particularly [Jorge] Martin, Pecco [Bagnaia], [Enea] Bastianini who’re using this bike tremendous quick, they realize it tremendous good, and I must study from them. I must study and attempt to adapt my using type to them.
“However we can’t overlook that each athlete has his second after which begins to drop, after which in that drop it’s important to work more durable and more durable to maintain flat.
“However younger guys arrive, like Fabio [Quartararo] in his first 12 months, now Pedro [Acosta], Pecco, Martin which are using sooner.
“So, I must study from the youngest riders and attempt to hold that degree so long as doable.”
