Marc Marquez had his first day of riding in the box of the official Ducati team in Barcelona. The Spaniard was able to test the GP25 version, and find the work routine of a factory driver.
A good start in red: “I made a risky bet about a year ago. And now, finishing in the factory team was the best news, and that's the idea of the red design. But apart from that, let's focus on the importance of the feeling with the team, which has been good. I felt comfortable from the start. The fact of not changing factories, of already knowing many engineers, allowed me to feel very comfortable in the box. Have peace of mind throughout the day. I come back a little to the operation of a factory, which has a very strict schedule, very established with the things to be tested. This is where the driver is 100% available to the factory to give the best feedback. »
Testing as a factory driver: “Logically, it’s a lot more responsibility. We tested motorcycle concepts. A new engine, chassis. You have to be very precise in your comments, be very focused, because the good or bad comment can directly affect the evolution of the bike. It is much more precise and it is a test that the pilot makes available to the engineers. This is not a test to work on piloting. »
“Obviously, being in a factory team, there is more pressure, there is more responsibility and you are forced to fight for the top positions. And even more so when you join the team that has achieved the best results in recent years. So we will try to do our best. Now it will also be good to rest this winter, to disconnect a little. But as far as I feel, the confidence is high and we will try to maintain it in the same way between now and the start of the year. »
Closest to Gigi Dall'Igna: “The truth is that in 2024 I felt very supported by Ducati. The big difference, what Ducati does very well, is that they have feedback from all the riders. Whether you are in one box or another, they always try to speak personally with all the drivers. And it is clear that being in the official box makes us much more connected with Gigi and all the technical staff, which is a lot of people. »
The new Desmosedici: “I made a two-year jump, from GP23 straight to GP25. It was the new bike, and when there's a new bike, the first time on the track always takes more time to get everything ready. The sensations are different. I think she is more competitive. »
The relationship with Francesco Bagnaia: “The most important time to have a close relationship with your teammate is now, during the pre-season. Above all, in this test, it is important. Because what you try in Malaysia is more or less what you're going to start the season with. Today Pecco and I spoke. We each spoke with the engineers first. The engineers have a little information, and then we comment among ourselves. The important thing is that the comments are very similar. »
