It was a Friday of Free Practice that was more complicated than expected for Marc Marquez in Sepang. The Spanish rider finished with a 10th time, but he still gained access to the Q2. The circuit in Malaysia has always created difficulties for Marc, even in the past.
But, if it's true that the GP23s seem to have more difficulties here than elsewhere, the champion doesn't look for excuses and admits that he can no longer compensate like he used to on the Honda. And it's not due to the bike but to his riding style.
His expectations stil remain high, though. His pace is good, and the fight for third place in the standings with Enea Bastianini is still open. Yet, there's still the unknown of the last race in Valencia, after the disaster that threatens to close the season early.
That's a hypothesis that Marc doesn't feel like ruling out completely, since racing in Valencia in the current situation wouldn't be ethical, and Pecco Bagnaia seems to be of the same opinion.
"The day was difficult, especially here, in Malaysia," Marc explained. "I tried to be optimistic, but we're having more difficulties than usual, so we'll have to work even harder to get to a good level. The optimistic goal is a second row in qualifying.
The realistic one is third. On the fastest lap, we finished not that far from the best who are, at the moment are Pecco, Martin, and Enea, but we're closer on the race pace, even if it still isn't enough."
What are the difficulties you're facing?
"I missing everything!" he said, jokingly. "Sepang is a circuit where, historically, I've always suffered but, in the past, I was able to compensate. Since I got injured, if I have difficulties, I can't do it anymore. My riding style has changed.
I no longer push the bike beyond its limit. I have to adapt,. but. on the circuits. where I had difficulty before. I have even more difficulty now. It's not about the bike or what I could do on the Honda, it's about me as a rider here on this circuit. Here. today. the Ducatis were competitive but. as with any rider, on some circuits, you go better or you go worse. Let's see what we can bring home."
Since testing here at the beginning of the year, how has your riding style evolved on the Ducati?
"I don't like testing here, but it's still good because, if you can be fast here, you can be even faster on other circuits. The grip is improving. The feeling improved during the tests, so I hope it'll be the same in the days that follow."
Both you and Alex are behind in top speeds.
"Yes, we noticed that with the high temperatures the GP23 struggles, although in Mandalika it wasn't like that, but there we didn't have long straights like here. Bezzecchi and Iannone are also having difficulties, but Ducati is trying to give us a hand for the rest of the weekend."
Pecco hinted that he'd rather lose the title than race in Valencia.
"Those are strong statements from Pecco, also because, if it happens, then you have to do it. Before making a decision, of course, you have to assess all the factors, I'm, of course, referring to Pecco's decision.
Like I said, thinking about the way things are now, and knowing that we should be racing there in two weeks, it doesn't make sense to me. Some people have talked about racing to give financial help. It's not a question of money.
It's a question of hands, of people who have lost everything. You saw the condition of the roads. Everything in Valencia is a disaster. It looks like a movie. People don't have a home. Of course, money can help, but we have to first understand what's important. As a person, as a rider, and as a Spaniard, I can't think about being able to race a GP in Valencia in two weeks. Ethically, I don't think it's correct."
