”Pole Position” Ends Marc Marquez-Ducati Adaptation

Marc Marquez marked the end of the adaptation process for Ducati by winning pole position in MotoGP qualifying at Jerez.

AFP/JORGE GUERRERO

Gresini Racing racer, Marc Marquez, celebrates his success in winning pole position in the qualifying session for the Spanish MotoGP series at the Jerez Circuit, Saturday (27/4/2024). This is the Spanish rider's first pole since riding a Ducati motorbike.

JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA, SATURDAY — Marc Marquez repeatedly almost fell in the MotoGP qualifying session< /a> Spanish series at the Jerez Circuit which is not yet completely dry, Saturday (27/4/2024). However, the Gresini Racing racer finally set the fastest lap time and achieved the first pole position on a Ducati motorbike. This pole position marked the end of Marquez's adaptation to the Desmosedici GP, and now he is starting to aim for victory.

Marquez went into qualifying armed with positive momentum from the second free practice session, when he was the fastest in wet track conditions. Marquez continued that momentum in the qualifying session in partly dry and wet track conditions. Marquez performed solidly and achieved his 93rd pole position with a time of 1 minute 46.773 seconds.

”Yes, obviously I'm super happy to get the fastest time this time, and get pole position, especially because I felt super good all weekend. Throughout the session in the wet conditions I felt even better. "So, yes, now it's time to focus on the sprint race," said Marquez.

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”Starting from pole position will make your life easier, but it will be difficult because there are three, four riders with very good pace. "We'll see if we can compete for the podium," said Marquez.

Marquez's first pole position since Portugal 2023 could have been achieved earlier if his motorbike tires had not slipped at corner 10. In fact, before that incident, Marquez was predicted to set the fastest time. Even though he failed to set the fastest time, Marquez was able to make a save so he didn't fall.

AFP/JORGE GUERRERO

Gresini Racing racer, Marc Marquez, celebrates pole position with the crew after the qualifying session for the Spanish MotoGP series at Srikuit Jerez, Saturday (27/4/2024).

He made another save at Turn 1 after scoring the fastest lap which ultimately resulted in pole position. These two saves are the next stage of his adaptation process with Ducati.

"Step by step, I am becoming more confident with Ducati, which means I am starting to push harder, and even harder, and now it's time to start making rescues, especially on wet days. However, in dry conditions, I think I can push even harder. But, this is a good sign that I am able to make rescues," said Marquez.

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According to Marquez, the adaptation process with Ducati is now complete and it is time to become more competitive. "With all of my experience, you cannot discuss adaptation within six races. This may be something easy or an easy topic for discussion for you, but for me, adaptation is already done. Now it's time to start working, focusing, and trying to improve my weaknesses," said Marquez, who is getting closer to victory.

The second starting position is held by Pertamina Enduro VR46 racer Marco Bezzecchi who briefly topped the timing charts before being overtaken by Marquez. This is Bezzecchi's best performance this season, after struggling with the Desmosedici GP23, especially in braking and cornering.

"Yes, I am very happy, very satisfied, with the work that has been done up until now. As you said, it was difficult at the beginning of the season, but since yesterday I have taken a step forward, I have improved, so I am happy to be here. This is just the qualifying, and there are still two parts missing, the sprint and the main race. Right now, I am enjoying this moment, and I am trying to do my best this afternoon and tomorrow," said Bezzecchi.

AFP/JORGE GUERRERO

The expression of joy from Pertamina Enduro VR46 racer, Marco Bezzecchi, after achieving second place in the MotoGP Spanish series qualifying session at Jerez Circuit on Saturday (27/4/2024).

The MotoGP rider under the mentorship of legendary Valentino Rossi believes that he has found a way to steer the motorcycle by relying more on the rear tire in Jerez.

"Here, the track, weather conditions, and motorcycle settings all mix to give me confidence in leaning the bike more using the rear tire. I had a lot of difficulty doing that in previous races, but since yesterday I have felt that sensation and I am very happy because I feel good again in my riding. Yes, that was my biggest step," said Bezzecchi.

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Regarding the potential competition in the sprint that will take place on Saturday at 8:00 PM Western Indonesian Time, Bezzecchi hopes for completely dry track conditions in order to maximize potential.

"First of all, we have to see the condition because the weather is still complicated, there is a section of the track that is completely dry, and there are some parts that are still partially wet, and in the last turn it is completely wet, so the condition is mixed and we still have a few hours left (until the sprint) and hopefully it will dry completely," concluded the Italian racer.

A dry race is also expected by Prima Pramac Racing racer, Jorge Martin, who occupies the third starting position.

"First and foremost, it's very important to be in the front row because the first lap here is quite crazy, so I'm very happy to be in this position," said Martin.

AFP/JORGE GUERRERO

Prima Pramac racer, Jorge Martin, after securing the third starting position in the qualifying session of the Spanish MotoGP series at the Jerez Circuit on Saturday (27/4/2024).

"This morning, I did not expect to be in this position, because in mixed (wet-dry) conditions like this, I always struggle. However, we have taken a great step forward compared to before, so we are ready, and in dry conditions I think we are super competitive, and hopefully the race will be in dry conditions," said the Spanish racer.

He assessed that he managed to obtain the third starting position by using medium compound rear tires. If he had still used soft compound rear tires, he might have started further behind.

"Yes, the (tyre choice) was very difficult and I didn't expect to use the (medium tyre), then when I stopped to change tyres, the mechanics told me that Brad (Binder, KTM) was using the medium tyre, so I said, let's use the medium tyre and it turned out to be much better. If not, I might have been in the last position in Q2. So it's very important, because it can give a better sensation, but the track conditions are very challenging," said Martin.