After an excellent performance at the Sepang test, Alex Marquez did the same on the first day of testing in Buriram, concluding on his GP24 of the Gresini team with the 2nd best time in a lap of 1'29.649.
Beaten only by his brother, first in the standings by 5 tenths of a second on the factory team's GP25, the Spaniard commented on his feelings about a bike that promises to be just as competitive.
In light of rumors that Ducati seems intent on not taking risks by focusing on the already reliable GP24 engine, this would obviously open up interesting scenarios for Alex Marquez, who is already so competitive in these early stages of the season.
The Spaniard, however, plays it safe when it comes to thoughts of the title and prefers not to think about it; he doesn't seek any direct confrontation with his brother who, according to him, "when he is at 100% you cannot beat him."
All eyes are therefore on the benchmarks of the next few days of testing, for a championship that promises to be really hard-fought, and with six Ducatis on the grid, three GP24s and three GP25s, which should be less distant from each other than last year's gap with the GP23.
"I am very happy with this first day of testing," Alex began, "we focused on finding the limit on this track with this bike.
In the afternoon we lapped but with the heat we stopped early because we have a long day of testing tomorrow. Today we had several confirmations on the bike, especially in preparation for the first race.
Tomorrow will be an intense day, we will try a time attack in the morning and then move on to a race simulation to get everything under control ahead of the first round of the season here in Thailand."
You are proving to be really competitive in these tests, only Marc beat you today.
"I'm still happy with this 'defeat' - the Spaniard joked again - I'm second in the standings.
We were very fast all day, Marc was always able to make the difference, unlike in Malaysia where he had difficulties here he was able to make it. I am satisfied with the result, it was a positive test day and it is a good confirmation for us."
The factory Ducatis seem to be leaning toward choosing the 2024 engine, which would be good news for you.
"Regardless of what they decide I don't think the difference will be as palpable as between the GP23 and GP24.
What we saw last season was a definite step forward, if they did this every year it would mean that the engineers are really good! - hejoked - when you have a bike as perfect as the GP24 it's hard to improve any more, but I think they have clear ideas on how they can make a difference. We have what we have and we will have to make the most of it."
With this news, can you start dreaming?
"I sleep well, I often dream at night," he continued jokingly.
Davide Tardozzi also bet on you for the favorites for victory in the first races.
"Seeing what Marc is doing I see victory as difficult. My goal is not to fight for the world championship, we are not ready for that. But it's true, why not, winning a few races and doing well are realistic goals.
I feel very good on the bike and with the team we are working well. We know that having similar bikes will be a whole different world championship.
There is also Pecco who is very good and is three times world champion, both the factory riders are going very strong, but the day we have something more on a track I will try to take advantage of it."
What needs to be done to beat Marc?
"Honestly if he has everything perfect and 100 percent right you can't win. You have to wait for that day when he is having more difficulties."
Where do you stand with the bike set-up?
"Tomorrow we will try some improvements, but these are details. When the temperatures are high it's better because the feeling is better and you notice the differences better.
However, we are very close to the setup with which we will face the beginning of the championship, I have 100 percent confidence in this Ducati, the bike is really competitive and riding it gives you a lot of confidence."
