He was the most anticipated rider because he was riding the all red bike for the first time. Besides, he even had it written on his suit: "Todo el Rojo." The fact is that in Barcelona Marc Marquez completed his first day riding the Ducati Factory.
At the end of the day, the #93 occupied the fourth position behind Bagnaia, 651 thousandths of a second from his brother Alex. The anticipation to hear the first considerations of the Phenomenon was so great that he said, "There are more journalists today than on race weekend."
Joking aside, the Ducati rider explained what the day was like.
"All in red - he joked - a year ago I made a risky bet and coming to the factory team was the best news for me. In the end that was the idea of the project. Besides this aspect, the important thing about this day is the relationship with the team, very good, in fact I felt comfortable from the beginning.
Certainly the fact of not changing manufacturer, not changing the bike and already knowing many engineers made me feel very comfortable.
In addition to this there is then the talk of going back to work with a Factory Team, where there is a very strict and established planning, also the rider is 100 percent at the center of the project and his comments are useful for the development of the project."
You had a chance to meet Tardozzi, a big fan of yours.
"Tardozzi is more in the sporting part and today we focussed on technical issues. But there are people I have known for more than 10 years, and with whom I have alwasy had a good relationship, before as rivals and now in the same team. With the people inside the box it is very comfortable, very precise and 90% of the start is already testing the 2025 bike."
Have you also talked to Dall'Igna?
"In this 2024 I felt very supported by Ducati. The big difference, which Ducati does very well, is that they take into account the feedback of all the riders. It doesn't matter where you are in the box, it doesn't matter if you are riding an old or a new Ducati - they always try to talk personally with all the riders, although being in the factory team's box makes us very close to Gigi and all the technical staff."
What changes from the first test with Honda?
"The "heaviest" was logically the first time with Honda. I was indeed nervous, because I wanted to understand how far a MotoGP bike could go. Last year, on the other hand, it was different, although I had to adapt, since I was jumping from one MotoGP bike to another. Certainly this year I was calmer, in fact from the beginning I felt comfortable. When you don't change the brand of the bike, everything becomes easier. You just notice the evolution, and that's what I noticed."
What can you tell us about the GP25?
"We tried different things on the bike. By the way, I did a few rides with the GP24 as well. Let's say it's a little different like the devices to lower the bike as well as the feeling. More competitive? I think so, but we'll have to see."
What has impressed you?
"The engine is better in the straights, as well as the character of the bike in the corners, but I have to figure out the limit."
Have you talked to Bagnaia?
"The most important thing is to have a close relationship with your teammate, especially now, because in Malaysia you will test what we will start the season with. Today Pecco and I talked to each other.
But first we talked with the engineers: they already had some information and then we commented among ourselves. The important thing is that the feedback was very similar. What matters is to have a bike that can be stable on all tracks."
What does it mean to be factory?
"The responsibility is much bigger, because in a satellite team when you do a test you try the set-up and then you can always go back. Today, on the other hand, we worked on concepts regarding the bike as well as a new engine, the chassis, so you have to be very precise in your comments and focused.
All it takes is one wrong comment to affect the evolution of the bike. In the end this was a test to work on riding and the rider is in the hands of the engineers."
What do you expect?
"Being in an official team brings more pressure as well as more responsibility. This is because you are obliged to fight for the top positions, especially when you join the team that has had the best results in recent years.
So we will try to do our best, and for me it is a pleasure to be here with these colors. Maybe it is strange to see Tardozzi, because I am reminded of the duels with Dovizioso, but it is nice."
Can you tell us about the middle finger to team Gresini?
"Team Gresini always likes to joke. They were laughing outside the box because they told me on Sunday that they would finish ahead of me in the test. In the end Alex was the fastest and when I came back into the pit lane I was expecting them. I then reciprocated (he jokes)."
By your side you have Rigamonti.
"That's right! First I will have to adapt to him and then he will also get to know me. I think his working method is good, in fact I was comfortable right away and everything was organized. He is an experienced engineer, has great confidence and is very close to the Ducati engineers. Certainly changing engineers is not the best, but when the engineer is good we adapt quickly as it was last year with Carchedi."
How do you experience the wait?
"I like having the pressure, but at the same time you need to manage it and it's not easy. This year Bagnaia won 11 races, he had an incredible season, but unfortunately he didn't win the title. So we will see."
