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During the preseason test at Sepang, speculation ran rife as Marquez, now riding for Gresini Ducati, appeared to be holding back his true potential, opting for a more methodical approach to familiarize himself with the GP23.
Observations from seasoned ex-racer turned MotoGP broadcaster Simon Crafar suggest that Marquez’s seemingly subdued performance in Sepang might be a strategic move. While his counterparts focused on setting blistering lap times, Marquez opted for consistency, eschewing time attacks in favor of extensive runs to understand the nuances of his new machine. Notably, Crafar highlighted Marquez’s exceptional prowess in braking, predicting him to emerge as Ducati’s strongest contender in this aspect.
Despite clocking modest times during the test, Marquez’s sprint simulations turned heads, showcasing his ability to maintain impressive speeds over multiple laps. His dedication to refining his synergy with the bike is evident through his exhaustive experimentation with various settings alongside his crew chief, Frankie Carchedi.
Marquez’s performance on each day of the Sepang test reflected a deliberate progression. From technical setbacks on Day 1 to a more competitive showing on Day 3, Marquez steadily built momentum, culminating in standout sprint simulations that surpassed previous records.
Jorge Martin of Pramac Racing has already thrown his support behind Marquez, anticipating a formidable challenge from the eight-time world champion in the upcoming Qatar MotoGP. With Marquez’s talent and determination evident, the stage is set for an electrifying start to the 2024 MotoGP season as he seeks to assert his dominance once more.