Marquez set to elevate Ducati’s MotoGP competitiveness, says Tardozzi
Marc Marquez Set to Shake Up MotoGP with Ducati Debut
Excitement is building as eight-time world champion Marc Marquez prepares for his highly anticipated debut on a Ducati bike. In an unexpected move, Marquez will switch from Honda to the Gresini team for the upcoming season, riding the 2023-spec Ducati that clinched this year’s championship. With just one year remaining on his contract with Honda, Marquez’s decision to part ways has sparked discussions about how he will adapt to his new surroundings.
The renowned Tardozzi, who credits Ducati’s satellite teams for elevating their performance in MotoGP, believes that Marquez will take this progress even further in 2024. “He’ll raise our level of competitiveness,” Tardozzi expressed confidently. “I’m willing to bet that Marc will dominate this test and secure first position.”
Marquez himself shed some light on why he expects a smooth transition from Honda to Ducati during a recent interview at Sepang. Reflecting on observing his brother Alex’s performance on the same bike, Marquez noted, “His riding was solid – precise braking points, perfect racing lines, and excellent bike control.” The admiration was evident as he added humorously, “I tried my best to keep up with him but almost crashed while pushing too hard around Turn 3 and 4.”
Beyond Boundaries: The Impending Test
All eyes are now focused on Tuesday’s momentous Valencia test where history will be made by witnessing an iconic rider like Marquez stepping onto unfamiliar territory – a Ducati. Due to contractual obligations, Marquez won’t be able to address the media until the end of his Honda tenure, but his actions on the track are expected to speak volumes.
The anticipation is palpable as Marquez’s arrival at Gresini Racing promises an exhilarating 2024 season. With his sheer determination and unparalleled skills, he aims to demonstrate that he too possesses world champion qualities like teammate Jorge Martin. Meanwhile, Pecco Bagnaia will work diligently alongside the team, focusing on refining their existing bike and paving the way for future advancements in motorcycle technology.