Alex Marquez endured a dramatic crash during the second day of testing at the Sepang circuit, putting a spotlight on the challenges posed by his Ducati. Despite the bike sustaining heavy damage, Marquez escaped without injury and completed the day ranked 12th, nearly a second behind the frontrunners. His experience highlighted the ongoing struggle to fully understand the Ducati’s limits under demanding conditions.
Testing Tire Compounds and Tracking the Bike’s Behavior
Marquez was experimenting with various tire compounds, including the newly introduced medium and soft options, when the crash occurred at the demanding turn 5. He explained,
“When you put on a new tire, the difference in speed can be monumental, sometimes even two seconds faster. At that moment, you have to manage the situation carefully,”
underscoring how the spike in grip can create precarious moments on track. The rear tire grip pushed aggressively, causing his fall, which Marquez framed as an expected part of learning:
“It’s nothing special, just part of the learning process,”
he said.
Morning Session Performance and Bike Comparisons
Earlier in the day, Marquez posted a solid time of 1’58”0 using worn tires, expressing cautious optimism about his progress. Reflecting on the differences between the current GP26 model and the previous GP24, he remarked,
“There’s not a huge difference in feel; the character of the bike remains similar. We’re improving on certain aspects and getting a better understanding.”
However, his plans were disrupted by rainy weather that hampered afternoon running. He lamented,
“It’s a pity there was more rain this morning; I wanted a calmer afternoon to refine the setup and consolidate everything. But the rain came, and I still don’t fully understand the limits of this bike,”
revealing the complications unpredictable weather introduced to his testing program.
Handling a Mixed Setup Amidst Weather Challenges
Marquez clarified that the crash occurred while riding a hybrid setup, which combined elements from both new and older components. He highlighted the intricacies involved in pushing the bike to its boundaries, especially when conditions fluctuate.
“The bike can always get better. There’s no perfect machine. You can achieve more grip over more laps, increase straight-line speed, or enhance braking deceleration,”
he added, reflecting confidence that improvements remain possible despite setbacks.
Adjusting Testing Plans and Embracing Greater Demands
Due to rain delays, Marquez expected longer and more intense testing in the upcoming days. He said,
“I’ll try to complete all the work in the morning and then attempt a race simulation,”
signaling his intention to maximize dry track time. He also remarked on the shifting responsibilities now that he is an official rider, offering more feedback on the bike’s limits with less time to find its balance.
“There’s less time for a rider to find the limits of the package or achieve a solid balance. This means more work, which I enjoy. It’s exciting, and I’m happy with it.”
Balancing Race Simulations to Avoid Fatigue
Marquez outlined his strategy to focus on either a race simulation or a sprint session, but not both, to prevent slower lap times caused by fatigue. He joked,
“If I do two simulations, I’ll end up running around 2’04,”
emphasizing the importance of pacing during testing. Although the crash was a setback, he maintained a positive perspective:
“It wasn’t easy. We worked hard in the morning with various tire tests to clarify the situation. When I switched to the new tires, I crashed in turn 5, somewhat like Quartararo’s fall yesterday. The leap from worn to new tires can yield a two-second gain, drastically altering your speed. I opened the throttle and ended up on the ground. Nevertheless, it was still a positive day.”
Enhanced Communication Between Rider and Factory Team
Marquez noted a stronger relationship with Ducati’s factory personnel during these tests. He described the dynamic as,
“Now, there’s a stronger connection regarding what I feel, how often I test, and the program we follow,”
highlighting closer collaboration. Regarding decision-making, he stated,
“Ducati analyzes all the data and suggests what works or doesn’t, but the last word lies with the rider. Ultimately, it’s us who ride the bike and feel its performance.”
Risks of Riding in Wet Conditions and Weather Variability
Reflecting on the hesitancy among riders to push in wet weather, Marquez explained the inherent dangers:
“It’s about avoiding crashes and not damaging the bike. Depending on the year, races can have varying humidity and water conditions. The water can be quite unpredictable; what works in hot conditions may not translate well to colder tracks like Le Mans,”
emphasizing the complexity of adapting to changing environments during testing and races alike.
Future Outlook as Sepang Testing Progresses
The Sepang test sessions continue to be a critical period for Alex Marquez as he strives to master the Ducati and confront its current shortcomings. Despite a tense day marked by a significant crash, his determination remains evident. With the tighter schedule and challenge of unpredictable weather, Marquez’s resilience and growing collaboration with the factory will be key factors in overcoming obstacles and making strides toward racing competitiveness.
