Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez is targeting important setup improvements as the Czech Grand Prix progresses at the Brno circuit. After leading both practice sessions on Friday under mixed weather conditions, Marquez aims to optimize his Ducati’s balance to perform better on the newly resurfaced track.
Marquez showed strong pace despite the challenging conditions, finishing Friday’s first practice in the 1:54 range—just fractions off his personal lap record at Brno. The track was damp but drying during the sessions, limiting riders’ ability to fully test slick tires in the afternoon.
Brno’s New Surface Expected to Yield Faster Lap Times
Marquez expressed confidence that the fresh asphalt at Brno offers substantial grip, which should allow for significantly quicker laps during Saturday’s sessions. He explained that the improved surface benefits both wet and dry riding conditions.
“The new surface worked super-good in wet and dry, the grip is amazing,”
Marquez told TNT Sports following Friday’s sessions.
Although challenging conditions on Friday limited running, Marquez expects to reach lap times around 1:52 on Saturday, an improvement made possible by the enhanced track surface.
“1:52s, I think, will be possible. Today it rained and there wasn’t a lot of rubber on the track which made it more difficult.”
Setup Work Becomes a Priority to Adapt to Track Changes
Due to inconsistent weather, Marquez was unable to complete the necessary setup work during Friday’s sessions, deferring adjustments to Saturday when drier conditions are forecasted. The Ducati rider highlighted that the new surface affects the bike’s balance, making fine-tuning critical for race day.
“We need to work with the setup,”
he said.
Today we didn’t have time.
It looks like, on Saturday and Sunday, will be dry conditions. We need to work on the set-up because, with the new surface, the bike balance changes a bit.
Marquez noted that while he was fast in Practice 1, he was not yet comfortable on the bike, emphasizing the importance of setup changes to maintain top competitiveness.
Already in FP1 I was riding fast but not comfortably.
Despite these challenges, he remained optimistic having secured a top-10 position to continue progression.
Saturday’s Sessions to Present Strategic Challenges
Marquez described Saturday as a crucial and difficult day since time for trying new setup configurations will be limited. Riders must balance experimentation with the need to deliver quick qualifying laps.
“It will be a tricky Saturday because we have only half an hour to try things, then a time attack,”
he said.
He also noted that riders advancing through Q1 could gain a slight edge in Q2 due to track conditions and timing of time attacks, adding complexity to qualifying strategy.
The guys that pass in Q1 will have a small advantage in Q2 because it will be the first time attack, and to take the reference is difficult.
Additionally, Marquez pointed out that the sprint race on Saturday will serve as another important test before Sunday’s main race.
“The sprint race will be another test for Sunday.”
