From the discussions on the subject of the driver market, to the facts of a track that increasingly records the flashes of “old” Marc Marquez. At the end of the Sprint on the ups and downs of Mugello, the champion from Cervera hit the mark for the third time (even the fifth in seven heat) consecutive second place in the short race on Saturday. Already in the podium zone after having regulated the KTMs of the attacking Pedro Acosta and Brand Binder at the start, the representative of the Gresini Racing Ducati team took advantage of the bad mistake made by championship leader Jorge Martin at San Donato to gain a position. And, consequently, precious points from a global perspective. In the end, he only had to surrender to a Francesco Bagnaia in a state of grace. It goes without saying, confirming himself as the best of those equipped with the GP23.
ANOTHER PODIUM IN THE SPRINT
“I’m very happy, also because we know that Pecco travels very fast here” commented Marquez to Sky Sport MotoGP. “He had already won two races in 2023 and could do the same this year. He has a little more than everyone else, even if we are giving consistency to our performances”.
MARQUEZ SHORTENS THE DISTANCES IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Considering his compatriot’s slip, the number 93 now finds himself -32 behind Martin with Bagnaia’s second place in his sights. Currently just five lengths away. A scenario that is anything but predictable until the eve of this season: “I never would have said that at this point in the year I would be so high in the rankings. In the first races Martin and Pecco were faster. I know I repeat myself, but for me it is always an honor to be able to fight with them who have been the fastest in the last two years.”.
MARQUEZ’S GROWTH PROCESS
Despite a small slip in this morning’s qualifying, the eight-time world champion is becoming increasingly aware of his abilities with the Ducati: “This weekend he took further steps forward. Jorge and Pecco are very strong, but we are close and are giving our best. I like the bike and it’s nice to ride. I came to Mugello with some doubts, now I have to clear them because on this bike every circuit is different”.
FOCUS ON THE DEPARTURE
For MM93 there is no shortage of unknowns ahead of tomorrow’s long race. Starting from the start, today less brilliant than usual (in the first corners he lost two positions on the KTMs): “We must work above all on this aspect. It was one of my strengths both at Le Mans and Montmeló, but for some reason not here. I’m struggling and we need to understand why.”. On the tires: “I think almost everyone will use the soft rear, few have worked with the medium”.
