Marc Marquez has failed to secure a podium finish since MotoGP resumed after the summer break. At the last Grand Prix in Austria he showed he had the pace to challenge at the front, but a series of unfavourable circumstances prevented him from realising his ambitions. A problem with his starter unit at the start dropped him to 14th at the first corner, despite starting from third on the grid. Despite this setback, Marquez managed to climb back up to fourth, displaying pace comparable to that of Jorge Martin and race winner Francesco Bagnaia.
Improving the performance of Marc
Marquez in
Austria can be partly attributed to the use by Michelin rear tires with a harder construction, designed to withstand the demanding conditions of the Red Bull Ring. This modification has had an impact on the behavior of all motorcycleswhich could explain the solid performance of
Marquez compared to some previous races, such as the British Grand Prix.
However, returning to a standard tire carcass for
Aragon could influence its ability to maintain this level of performance. The tire carcass changes again for Aragon, it is now standard ” he told TNT Sports.
Marquez expressed uncertainty as to whether the positive sensations observed in Austria
will reproduce at Aragon with different tires.
Marc Marquez :
« by having a perfect weekend we might have a chance to compete with the best »
The circuit Motorland Aragonwhich returns to the MotoGP calendar after an absence in 2023 due to a resurfacing project, should offer improved grip thanks to its new surface. Michelin has taken steps to adapt to the new conditions, using harder compounds than usual and introducing three compound options for the rear tyres instead of the usual two. Controlling tyre wear and heat will be the two main challenges of the weekend “, explained
Piero Taramassoresponsible for motorcycle
Michelin Motorsport.
Aragon has historically been a favorable circuit for Marquezwith wins in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019. However, his last races at
Aragon were less successful. In 2021, he was beaten by Francesco Bagnaia in an intense duel at the end of the race, and in 2022 he had to retire after a first-lap crash. Despite these setbacks, Marc Marquez
remains confident about his chances on this circuit which he particularly appreciates. Aragon is a circuit that I like. If we have a perfect weekend, we might have a chance to fight with the best. ” he said.
Pour Marc Marquezthe Grand Prix ofAragon represents an opportunity to bounce back after a mixed race. With a strategy focused on managing tyre wear and mastering the heat, he will hope to capitalise on his experience and familiarity with this demanding circuit. However, he is aware of the speed of his competitors and the need for a flawless performance to compete with the championship leaders. This weekend could well determine the ability of Marquez to get back into contention for podiums in the second half of the 2024 MotoGP season.
