Marc Marquez returns to the Motegi circuit with mixed feelings. This emblematic track, where he experienced many memorable moments with Honda, welcomes him this time in a completely different context. For the first time in his career, the Spaniard no longer wears the colors of the Japanese brand. On this occasion, he will sport a special helmet in honor of Shoei, but recognizes that this change has something special.
« It’s strange to arrive here and not find the events I was used to“, he confided with nostalgia. However, Marquez remains fully focused on the future. After a season full of twists and turns and challenges, he approaches the final races of 2024 without the pressure of a fight for the title. His performance at Mandalika, marked by a retirement following a mechanical problem, put an end to his championship hopes…“The engine broke down, there was nothing to do. The team had to work a lot because of the use of fire extinguishers, but that’s what the bike is all about. In all factories, when an engine breaks, we are on alert, it happened at Honda and it happens at Ducati. They analyze everything to understand what happened because something like this has never happened« , declared
Marquez.
Marc Marquez :
« Jorge Martin is very strong, always present, no matter the conditions, but… »
« Bastianini and I couldn’t fail if we wanted to stay in the title race, but that’s exactly what happened“, he declared realistically. “ Now the focus is on Pecco and Jorge. For me, the title is finished, but I can now focus on my limits and work on my regularity. » And he specifies: “ I’m trying to find that consistency, and the next step is to try to improve in qualifying. That’s what I’m going to be super focused on in the next few years, trying to be better, and‘constantly be on the first two lines. This will be my next goal; If I succeed, we’ll see.”
Despite everything, Marc Marquez keep an eye on the competition. If he praises the performances of
Jorge Martinwhich he considers to be the fastest currently, he knows that nothing is ever decided in MotoGP. “ Martin is very strong, always present, no matter the conditions. But in MotoGP, you never know,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead to the next races, Marc
Marquez is determined to get back to his best level and continue to learn from him Ducati.
