“I Believe I Understand Why I Crashed. It Was My Fault,” Remarks Marc Marquez in Portimao.
Marc Marquez experienced his first crash of the race weekend on his Ducati but still managed to secure the third-fastest time during Friday Practice at the Portuguese MotoGP.
Initially topping the charts in the morning session, Marquez concluded the day in P3 despite a front-end slide at Turn 5.
Nevertheless, it was a day filled with smiles after a fruitful outing in Portimao.
Marquez analyzed his crash, stating, “We made a slight adjustment to the bike to boost my confidence. When you have more confidence, you can push harder.
We need to continue in this direction. The crash occurred during the final time attack. I felt more comfortable when following someone on a Honda. On the Ducati, I felt less at ease.”
I attempted to handle it differently. I lost the rear on entry, a peculiar crash. I’ll need to analyze it further. I believe I understand the reason behind the crash. It was my error.
During a time attack, my instinct kicks in. I’m accustomed to going extremely fast at the apex with a Honda. With this bike, you need to adopt a different approach.
The potential lies elsewhere. I experienced some shaking. I realized the speed was too high. I attempted to rely on my instinct, to slide in, but now I understand that I can’t!”
Marquez briefly claimed the top spot during the afternoon session before settling into fifth place. As the final run approached, he climbed back to P2, ultimately securing P3 behind Enea Bastianini and Jack Miller.
Explaining his broad smile in the Gresini garage, Marquez stated, “It brings me joy to feel this enjoyment. When you’re in the top five or six, you sense competitiveness. I’m maintaining consistency with my lap times. The track conditions will improve, and I know Pecco and Martin will join the mix. There are two or three riders faster than us, but I’m relishing the moment.”
Portimao posed a significant challenge for Marquez as he had never tested a Ducati here, unlike in Qatar. However, he remarked, “It’s been easier than Qatar. In Qatar, I faced more difficulties. People might say I was riding conservatively, but it was simply due to a lack of confidence. It might seem conservative, but without confidence, you can’t push. Here, I feel more confident. Frankie Carchedi, the technician, understands my riding style better. I comprehend the bike better now. I know what I need on this bike to be quick. This boosts my confidence and lap times.”
Reflecting on his Friday performance at Portimao, Marquez rated himself an “eight out of 10, I would say 9 without the crash.” He elaborated, “I pushed, but everyone was pushing. Practice sessions are among the most intense of the weekend.
You need to prepare for the races, avoid crashing the primary bike, complete three time attacks, secure a spot in the top 10… It’s mentally demanding.”
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