At the Mandalika MotoGP circuit, Alex Marquez faced a difficult start on Friday, finishing tenth in the morning practice session. Despite a near missed opportunity to avoid Q1, the Gresini Racing rider kept a determined outlook as he prepared for the weekend’s qualifying stages. Marquez Mandalika MotoGP efforts raised hopes for improving his grid position after an inconsistent start.
Understanding Tire Choices and Handling Difficult Track Conditions
The Mandalika track’s notoriously low grip unsettled many riders, and Marquez was no exception. He explained that his crash near the session’s close stemmed from riding too long on the medium rear tire before switching to a softer compound.
“We focused on the medium tire at the rear compared to the soft, and my crash was due to lingering on the medium compound too long,”
Marquez said, breaking down the factors contributing to his mistake. His mishap occurred when he entered a corner too quickly after changing to the soft tire, causing him to lose front grip.
Despite the incident, Marquez viewed the crash as a chance to learn rather than a setback. Reflecting on his progress, he noted,
“While 2024 was a tough year for me, this season I’m performing better. Besides Bezzecchi, who has been exceptional in the second sector, we are strong and consistent.”
Increased Confidence Compared to Previous Seasons
Marquez’s feelings about Mandalika have evolved positively since last year.
“Last year, I didn’t understand what was going on here. Now, I feel confident and know what to expect from the bike,”
he admitted, highlighting the growth in his understanding and preparation. Looking ahead to qualifying, he stressed the potential for advancement.
“I believe we can make progress with the soft tire; a few adjustments to the bike will go a long way,”
Marquez added.
Adjusting to Tire Modifications and Track Conditions
The introduction of a revised Michelin tire carcass has affected grip and traction across the field, including Marquez. He recalled his prior experience with the new tire in Thailand and its challenges:
“Adapting to the new carcass, having already used it in Thailand, doesn’t require much effort. However, it does provide less grip and is trickier to get up to temperature.”
He confirmed that while mornings remain tricky due to limited grip, his growing familiarity with the updated equipment helps him manage performance better.
“With more experience than in Buriram, it’s easier to find my footing, though the grip in the morning is always less,”
Marquez explained.
Crucial Qualifying Battle and Rivals’ Positions
Saturday’s qualifying session carries great importance for Marquez, who understands how starting near the front could bolster his podium chances. He declared,
“Qualifying will be crucial, especially with the heat here. My target is to make it into the top two rows.”
Race conditions and grid placements will heavily influence his weekend strategy.
Marquez also assessed his Ducati competitors, noting varied performances among his rivals.
“Marc and Morbidelli have shown good pace and speed, while Di Giannantonio and Bagnaia have struggled a bit, but it’s only Friday,”
he remarked, emphasizing the early stage of the race weekend. He expressed confidence in Pecco Bagnaia’s future efforts:
“Pecco will likely make a strong showing; historically, he’s been competitive on Saturdays and Sundays.”
The Road Ahead for Marquez at Mandalika
As the Mandalika weekend progresses, Alex Marquez remains focused on turning Friday’s mixed results into a strong race day performance. His awareness of tire issues, improving bike understanding, and competitive rivals add tension to an already intense MotoGP environment. With his sights set on a podium finish, Marquez is prepared to push his limits and potentially join the elite contenders fighting for top honors.
