Expectations at the circuit where Marc Marquez had a fierce battle with Ducati

Marc Marquez He has seven podiums at the Lusail circuit, including two wins in Moto2 in 2012 and MotoGP in 2014. And in his premier class, his third podium in his first race with Repsol Honda is still remembered for second place, beating Valentino Rossi. , then very close friends, and especially in the final stages of the races in 2018 and 2019, competing for victory with the Ducati tandem of Dovizioso, who lost at the final corner.

But with two grands left until the end of his Honda career, Marc Marquez arrives with “low” expectations, so we’ll have to see what happens.

“It’s a difficult circuit for my driving style and I have to work on it and mainly focus on my style,” the eight-time world champion commented in a speech at media day.

at that time Marc Marquez chose Jorge Martin As the 2023 MotoGP champion, Bagnaia enters with a 14-point advantage with two Grands Prix remaining, but the Cervera driver did not change his bets. “I made it to the end. Martin was very close, not two races left, but four races left, three to be exact. The sprint gives half the points, so Martin has the speed to get it done. “Then we’ll see what happens. Martin won the sprint in Malaysia and Bagnaia won the long run. Maybe it’s the other way around here. It could rain in Valencia. So I’ll wait and see, because both have “warnings”. “It’s going to be interesting because there’s that pressure.”

Aside from the competition, and considering the technical regulation changes planned for next year (there are talks of concessions from Honda and Yamaha and restrictions from Ducati), Marquez said: “If they do indeed confirm the concessions in the end, , it is possible.” “That’s good. It’s good to help brands that are in a more difficult situation. One thing is, when you’re a brand this big, the top brands need results above all for their continuation in the championship.” “This is the most important thing because, after all, no one wants a single-brand championship,” Marquez stressed.

“The more brands there are, the more colors there are, the better, the more bikes on the grid the better, and I think that’s good for the riders too, because the more brands and the more Because if you have more bikes, you can win races, you can fight.” “For the championship, yes, the riders will be asked for more. We are now in a situation where the bikes are asked for more. Because Ole has done a good job, but if I want one, I have to go find a bike to do something with,” Mark explained.

Spear in support of Alberto Puig

On the possibility of Luca Marini replacing him, the two-year deal that could be finalized this weekend in Qatar, and the situation in which team manager Alberto Puig remains with the HRC team, Marc Marquez says: I commented. I’ve said it many times and will continue to say it: I know there are people who criticize Alberto, but they’re usually people who don’t have many friends because they’re open and honest. ”

“And Alberto, what he always showed me is that he’s honest, honest, and if he has an idea, he’ll listen to you, but he has his own ideas, and he won’t listen to you. “Also, in Honda projects, Alberto is the basis, and I think there are many times when the ‘team manager’ cannot make all the decisions,” he continued.

“As much as we want to do something, there’s a group of people who decide things together, there’s a ‘staff.’ But for me, Alberto has a very good idea about the future of Honda, and I think that’s a mistake. “What he wanted to get out of this influence was that he was always very clear about it, keeping in mind the project that some things were completed and others were not.” “But I always liked his ideas,” he emphasized. .

What does he think of his successor, Marini?

As far as Luca Marini is concerned, he didn’t want to touch on the assessment, but said: “With a driver without a contract, it’s a natural step to put everything on the table and it’s natural to sign him for a year.” commented. And by 2025 two bikes will be free, you will know how the project is and you can choose Bagnaia, Martin, Acosta or Marquez. it doesn’t matter. If you have a project, you can actually choose any rider. win. “

“I’m also at Honda, but I’m not, so I was a little surprised because it sounds like it’s going to be a two-year contract with Marini, but I’m sure they have their reasons. I should ask them. They are,” Marc Marquez said.