Alex Marquez completed the Buriram test in fifth place, expressing a measure of satisfaction with the progress made while acknowledging that further improvements are necessary for the GP26. Despite a minor crash during a race simulation in the afternoon that briefly interrupted his session, Marquez managed to continue his program and assess the bike’s performance under competitive conditions.
It was an accident without consequences. I was doing a race simulation and I crashed. The bike slid away and hit the barriers with the front wheel. There was some damage, but everything is under control,
the Spaniard reassured everyone.
Progress Made but Full Satisfaction Still Elusive
Reflecting on his overall performance during the test, Marquez emphasized that significant work was done but that he is not yet fully at ease with the GP26. He rated the current state of the bike as an 8 out of 10, noting improvements compared to the previous day and a growing sense of confidence in his riding.
We did a good job and tried different things. I’m not completely comfortable on the bike yet, nor am I satisfied with the test. I’d say we’re at an 8 out of 10. There are still things to improve. Compared to yesterday, we made progress in terms of pace, and I was able to ride better, so overall I felt more confident.
Constant Desire for Enhancement Amid Stiff Competition
Marquez highlighted that no MotoGP bike ever reaches perfection and that he continually seeks enhancements in all areas including cornering, traction, and entry speed. He feels better prepared than in the previous year but recognizes that rival manufacturers such as Aprilia have also made strides, making the competition more intense.
On a MotoGP bike, you always want to improve everything, from entry to traction to cornering. It’s never enough. The perfect bike doesn’t exist. As far as I’m concerned, I feel more prepared than last year and confident, but the other manufacturers have also proven to be fast here, especially Aprilia. That doesn’t surprise me, and I expected it, given that Bezzecchi flew around this track last year. So we’ll have to be smart and have a solid race weekend.
Working Separately from Valuable Teammate Michele Pirro
During the test, Marquez shared the garage with Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, who carried out his own program. Although they worked simultaneously, their tasks differed, allowing Marquez to focus on his specific goals without overlap.
He behaved like a normal teammate. He had his own program to follow and things to try for Ducati, so we did different work.
Adjustments from GP24 to GP26 and Future Potential
Marquez described the transition from the GP24 to the current GP26 as smooth, noting that the two bikes share similarities. While any modification can sometimes cause trade-offs, he believes the overall balance of the GP26 is more refined and offers greater opportunities for improvement as the season unfolds.
No, because they are similar. It’s true that when you try to improve something, something else gets worse. However, I think the balance of our package is good and more complete than the old one. We have more potential and more opportunities to improve during the year and try different things. As I said, I feel more ready and confident. We have everything we need to have fun, but we also have to be realistic. In the first race last year, we had three Ducatis in the top three places and the advantage over our rivals was greater. Now the fight will be tighter and consistency will be even more key.
Confidence Gained Despite Growing Expectations
Starting the season among the frontrunners, Marquez feels steady rather than pressured. He believes his prior experience racing for the title last year has better prepared him for the challenges ahead, yet he remains cautious about the unpredictability of a long championship season and the importance of managing fine margins throughout.
No, I feel more confident. I know I’ll find myself in a situation I’ve already experienced, whereas last year everything was new to me. Back then, I went from finishing the season in eighth place to fighting for the title, and I didn’t have the experience to handle that kind of situation, so much so that at a certain point, I paid for it. Now I feel more prepared, but there’s no way of knowing if it will be enough. The championship is long, and the details will have to be managed well.
Secrecy Surrounding New Ducati Cornering Aid
When asked about the impact of Ducati’s new lowering device for corners, Marquez chose to keep details confidential, offering no specific insights about how the technology affects his confidence on the track.
I’m not going to say how it is.
Implications for the Season Ahead
Alex Marquez’s reflections reveal a rider growing steadily in confidence while acknowledging the intensified competition presenting challenges in the upcoming season. The GP26 shows promise but still requires fine-tuning to meet Marquez’s expectations and respond to rival advancements. Marquez’s experience and realistic outlook suggest he is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the championship, where consistency and adaptability will be crucial factors in the fight for top positions.
