Marc Marquez expresses that the learning experience from Ducati’s “benchmark” rider Pecco Bagnaia in 2024 has thus far been enjoyable after their MotoGP showdown at Jerez.
In last Sunday’s 25-lap Spanish Grand Prix, the reigning double world champion and the Gresini rider engaged in a thrilling battle for victory. Ultimately, Bagnaia emerged victorious, albeit by a narrow margin of 0.372 seconds over Marquez, who celebrated his inaugural grand prix podium as a Gresini Ducati rider.
This wasn’t the first time the duo had locked horns on the track. Their history includes clashes such as Bagnaia’s maiden MotoGP win at Aragon in 2021, which came under intense pressure from the eight-time world champion.
In Portugal earlier this year, they were contending for the top five when they controversially collided.
Reflecting on their intense battle for victory, Marquez expressed, “For me, as I mentioned to him in Portimao, it’s a pleasure to compete against the world champion and the benchmark in the Ducati team.
Once again, in the Spanish GP, I found myself on par with him, engaging in a fierce battle.”
“I had enough pace to attempt overtaking maneuvers. So, for me, it’s already a privilege to learn from him,” Marquez continued. “Certainly, he possesses strengths that exceed mine, but I’m hopeful that in the future, I can refine my skills and narrow the gap between us.”
With championship leader Jorge Martin’s crash during the grand prix, Marquez currently finds himself 32 points behind, occupying sixth place in the standings.
Despite qualifying on pole at Jerez, Marquez initially felt that his adaptation to the GP23 had reached its peak.
However, after four rounds of the season, the Gresini rider, who last claimed the title in 2019, believes it’s premature to focus on the standings.
“It’s too early for me,” he remarked regarding the championship. “It’s not that I don’t desire the championship, but it’s premature to contemplate it because I recognize that there will be circuits where I’ll face significant challenges.”
“Nonetheless,” he added, “we must persevere. With this bike, I sense that some of my usual strengths in my riding style are somewhat diminished, but conversely, some weaknesses are showing improvement.”
Let us know your thoughts on this in comments.
