Marquez has first Ducati crash, but confident in Portugal
Marquez had a rollercoaster day during Friday’s practice at the Algarve International Circuit, with a mix of highs and lows. The Gresini rider impressed by finishing third in second practice, securing a spot in Q2 for Saturday’s qualifying session.
However, the day wasn’t without its challenges as Marquez experienced his first crash on the Ducati during a race weekend. The incident occurred at Turn 5 while he was pushing on his final time attack lap. Despite the setback, Marquez remains optimistic about his performance.
Marquez attributed the crash to a “small change” made on the bike that gave him more confidence to push harder. He acknowledged that transitioning from riding a Honda to a Ducati requires a different approach, as his instincts from his previous bike sometimes take over, leading to unexpected outcomes.
Despite the crash, Marquez expressed his enjoyment of riding the Ducati in Portugal and noted that managing a race distance this weekend feels “easier” compared to the challenges he faced in Qatar. He credited the improved confidence in his riding style and the bike setup for his progress.
Overall, Marquez’s journey with the Ducati has had its share of ups and downs, but he remains focused on understanding the nuances of the bike and optimizing his performance on the track.
Summary
Marquez navigates through highs and lows in Friday’s practice at the Algarve International Circuit, securing a spot in Q2 after finishing third. Despite experiencing his first Ducati crash, he remains confident and optimistic about his performance in Portugal, attributing his progress to improved confidence and understanding of the bike.
