This Wednesday morning was the first session of the traditional MotoGP pre-season tests in Malaysia. On the Ducati side, as everywhere, the program was busy. Between the adaptation of the brand to evolve with a reduced workforce, and the acclimatization of Marc Marquez within the factory team, there were a lot of things to manage at the Reds. The technical director of Borgo Panigale is nevertheless satisfied with the atmosphere that reigns within the garage, between the duo Marquez – Bagnaia, for this first day.
This Wednesday, February 05th marked Marc Marquez's first official appearance on the track in his new colors. However, according to the speech of Ducati's technical director, it is as if he had spent his entire career in the team.
For the moment, there is good understanding with his new teammate, Pecco Bagnaia, while the Spaniard has already made the acquaintance of most of the henchmen of Borgo Panigale, to facilitate his integration.
"My approach during these tests is to talk with the drivers at the end of the day, says Mauro Grassilli at the microphone of MotoGP.com at midday on the Sepang side. I stayed with them, during the lunch break. And it was cool, I saw Marc and Pecco talking about their morning. So the atmosphere is positive. About the technical part, about problems or that kind of thing, I wait until the end of the day.
“It seems like we’ve had Marc for years, He continues. He was part of the team right away, and he fit in naturally. So, from the first day of testing, he was part of the family. We talked to him a lot, and we still talk to him a lot. Honestly, it feels like he's been here for 10 years. He was part of the team right away, and part of the family."
© Ducati Corse
Marquez places his pawns at Ducati
A first experience which therefore fully satisfies the Ducati manager, who has reformulated the team's wish to evolve with the best possible pair of riders, despite the tensions which may have existed between the two men.
"Our goal was to have the best team in the world, adds the Italian again. The best team in the championship. On this point, we are quite happy with this line-up. With Pecco and Marc, we work a lot to have the best possible situation in the garage, and that starts today. It starts today, and we will see how it is at the end of the year.
It must be said that it is in Marc Marquez's interest to quickly familiarise himself with his new environment. The Desmosedici GP25 that he has with Bagnaia is already considered the most powerful machine on the grid. The two men are therefore naturally considered the two favourites for the title this year.
It is therefore important for the newcomer to start with the same weapons as his garage neighbor, and this begins with a rapid acclimatization in an environment that his opponent already knows well, having won two titles in red.
Finally, Mauro Grassilli sent a message of support to Jorge Martin, a former member of the Ducati family who suffered a serious fall on his Aprilia during his first laps of the year with the RS-GP. "I saw the videos, it's dramatic. The crash was huge. I'm sorry for him, and I hope he comes back soon. We need him, the sport needs him. Forza Jorge."
© Michelin
© Ducati Corse
