Marc Márquez, the eight-time world champion and Ducati Lenovo Team rider, has expressed excitement ahead of <a href="https://www.big14news.com/bike-racing/motogp/”>MotoGP’s debut at Hungary’s new Balaton Park circuit this August. After a full day of testing with the Ducati Corse team, Márquez praised the track as unique and perfectly suited for intense, stop-and-go racing action.
Márquez’s initial impressions of Balaton Park’s design
During the Tuesday test session, Márquez joined fellow Ducati riders on the Panigale V4 S to explore the Balaton Park layout for the first time. Reflecting on the experience, Márquez described the circuit as
“unique, unusual, and made for stop-and-go warfare.”
He emphasized how the track demands a different riding style compared to more flowing venues like Mugello or Phillip Island.
“It was a great day on track with the entire Ducati Corse squad,” Márquez said after logging dozens of laps. “I’m happy — the track layout is unique and unusual.”
—Marc Márquez, Ducati Lenovo Team rider
Technical riding required for Balaton Park’s layout
Balaton Park challenges riders with its stop-and-go nature, requiring precise control and adaptation to its rhythm. Márquez highlighted the importance of quickly finding flow to maximize speed on this technical track, which contrasts with the fast, continuous circuits typically favored by MotoGP.
“It will require a slightly different riding style. It’s a stop-and-go circuit, and you’ll need to adapt,” Márquez explained. “The faster you get into the rhythm, the better it gets — and then you can really enjoy the speed.”
—Marc Márquez, Ducati Lenovo Team rider
Balaton Park’s first MotoGP race approaches with Márquez eager to compete
Set to host its inaugural MotoGP Grand Prix from August 22 to 24, Balaton Park has already earned Márquez’s enthusiasm ahead of the historic event. He expressed strong excitement about racing on the new surface and is confident in the quality of the track’s construction.
“The tarmac is good — they did a great job. I can’t wait to race here with the MotoGP bike,”
he added with a smile. —Marc Márquez, Ducati Lenovo Team rider
Ducati riders unite for a critical test at Hungary’s newest circuit
Márquez was accompanied by several Ducati teammates during the test session, including Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli, Alex Márquez, Fermín Aldeguer, and Michele Pirro. Together, they gathered valuable data to optimize their setups and strategies for this pivotal late-season Grand Prix.
Balaton Park’s mix of technical stop-and-go sections and opportunities for speed has already made a strong impression on Márquez and the Ducati squad. With their early preparation complete, Ducati looks set to make a significant impact as the MotoGP championship heads into its Hungarian chapter.
