The Ducati debut of MotoGP superstar Marc Marquez was undoubtedly the big highlight of the post-season test in Valencia. Already in his first test with the Ducati Desmosedici, Marquez asserted himself at the top of the rankings and led some of them.
Ducati brand colleague Jorge Martin is not surprised by the speed of the number 93. On Tuesday, Martin was given the chance to study the eight-time world champion’s data records for the first time. The Spaniard realized that there are many parallels when it comes to driving styles.
“I looked at his data from the first stint,” confirmed Martin to DAZN. “It looks like we have the same style. But I’ve already learned a few things and hope to learn more. I was really looking forward to seeing his data.”
“He was very fast. But that didn’t surprise anyone because we all expected it,” explains the MotoGP vice world champion, who had a rather mixed test day. Martin ended up in 15th position, 0.899 seconds behind.
Two crashes chipped away at Jorge Martin’s self-confidence
Two crashes set Martin back and scratched the self-confidence of the number 89. “It was a complicated day. When we crashed, we were riding on a tire that was too hard. Nothing happened to me. After that, there was a problem at the pit exit,” says the Pramac driver. Pilot.
“I was annoyed that I lost my self-confidence from the weekend. It was a very complicated day,” says the Spaniard, who doesn’t overestimate the 15th position: “At no point did we think about chasing times. We “We’ve already taken enough risks this year.”
In addition to the factory riders, Martin from Ducati also received a foretaste of the 2024 MotoGP season. At the Valencia test he was able to test the Ducati Desmosedici GP24, which, according to insiders, differs from the previous model mainly in terms of the engine.
Not a good feeling with the prototype for the 2024 MotoGP season
“It was difficult to understand the new 2024 motorcycle,” admits Martin. “The feeling with it was a bit strange, something wasn’t working with the electronics. I felt more power (with the new engine), but I don’t know if it’s better.”
According to Martin, the 2024 engine was not easy to meter. “The connection with the throttle valve didn’t work well, I think,” ponders the Spaniard and adds what he wants from Ducati: “More power, you always want more power so that you are faster on the straights. But the characteristics should be don’t change.”
Marc Marquez only on the “old” Ducati: Why that doesn’t have to be a disadvantage
Challenger Marc Marquez did his laps on Tuesday with the proven 2023 version, with which Francesco Bagnaia won the title. At the start of the season, Marquez could have an advantage because there is a lot of experience for the GP23.
The successes of Enea Bastianini last year and Marco Bezzecchi last season show how competitive Ducati’s machines from last year are, especially in the first half of the season.
Jorge Martin is already looking forward to the duel with Marc Marquez in the 2024 MotoGP season: “It’s a challenge and a motivation to be able to compete against one of the best riders in history.”
On the Monday after the final Grand Prix of the season there was a helmet swap with Marc Marquez. “I was very excited to have one of Marc’s helmets. I think he is one of the greatest in history. It was very nice to swap helmets, with him and also with Dani Pedrosa,” commented the vice world champion.