Marc Marquez’s recent interview at the Algarve International Circuit shed some light on the challenges he is facing while transitioning from a Honda to a Ducati. He mentioned that a small change made to the Ducati provided him with more confidence. This change allowed him to push harder during his time attack laps. However, Marquez confessed that his instinct for riding the Honda took over when he lost control of the Ducati under braking, leading to his crash. This highlights the importance of adapting your riding style to suit the characteristics of the bike you are currently riding.
Marquez pointed out that while riding the Honda, he was used to going super-fast on the apex with some sliding. However, with the Ducati, he needs to approach cornering in a different way as the potential of the bike lies in another area. This demonstrates the need for riders to be versatile and adaptable to different bikes and their unique handling characteristics. Marquez’s realization that he cannot ride the Ducati the same way he rode the Honda is a valuable insight that will help him improve his performance on the Ducati.
The interview also highlighted the crucial role of confidence in a rider’s performance. Marquez admitted that during the Qatar race, he lacked confidence in his riding, which hindered his ability to push to his full potential. In contrast, he mentioned that he feels more confident riding the Ducati in Portugal and believes that managing a race distance will be easier compared to Qatar. This shows that when a rider has confidence in their abilities and the bike they are riding, they can perform better and achieve faster lap times.
Marquez acknowledged the role of his crew chief, Frankie Carchedi, in helping him understand his riding style better and make necessary adjustments to the bike. This collaboration between rider and team is essential for achieving success in MotoGP. By working closely together and making incremental changes to the bike, Marquez has been able to improve his confidence and performance on the Ducati. This emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in the world of motorcycle racing.
Overall, Marc Marquez’s interview at the Algarve International Circuit provides valuable insights into the challenges and adjustments he is making while transitioning to the Ducati. By building confidence through small changes, understanding the differences in riding styles, prioritizing confidence in performance, and collaborating with his team, Marquez is on the right path to improving his performance on the Ducati and achieving success in MotoGP.