The Gresini rider wrapped up Friday’s sessions at the Algarve International Circuit with a solid performance, securing a spot in Q2 on Saturday by clinching third place in the second practice session.
However, Marquez encountered a setback during the day as he experienced his first crash of the race weekend aboard the Ducati. The incident occurred when he lost control of his GP23 Ducati at Turn 5 while pushing the limits on his final time attack lap.
Reflecting on the crash, Marquez attributed it to a “small change” made to the bike that boosted his confidence. He noted that while the alteration allowed him to push harder, his ingrained instincts from riding the Honda took over in a critical moment, resulting in the crash.
“We made a small change to the bike, which gave me more confidence,” Marquez explained. “Increased confidence enables you to push harder, and gradually, we’re moving in that direction.”
Elaborating on the crash, he remarked, “It happened during the time attack, on the last attempt. As I mentioned previously, I felt more comfortable when following someone with the Honda. However, with the Ducati, it’s a different story. I experienced a loss of control on entry, leading to a peculiar crash. It was a mistake on my part, and I need to analyze it thoroughly. I believe I understand the reason behind the crash.”
Marquez acknowledged the need to adapt his riding style to suit the characteristics of the Ducati, emphasizing that the bike’s potential lies in a different realm compared to the Honda. He pointed out the challenges he faces in adjusting his approach, particularly in terms of braking and cornering.
Despite the mishap, Marquez expressed his satisfaction with riding the Ducati in Portugal and noted improvements in managing race distance compared to the previous round in Qatar.
“It’s definitely easier than Qatar,” he remarked when asked about his expectations for the race in Portugal. “In Qatar, I struggled a bit more, riding somewhat conservatively due to a lack of confidence. Even though it may seem conservative, without confidence, pushing becomes impossible.”
He highlighted the progress made in understanding both the bike and his own requirements, crediting his crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, and the team for their contributions.
“As Frankie starts to grasp my riding style better, and I gain a deeper understanding of the bike, we’ve made some adjustments that have helped increase my confidence and improve lap times,” Marquez stated. “Ultimately, speed is crucial during race weekends, and these developments are vital in achieving that.”
