Marc Marquez, the eight-time world champion in MotoGP, has a rich history of success at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Winning seven times at the track since his debut in 2013, Marquez has established himself as a dominant force at this circuit. However, his recent move to the Gresini Ducati has presented him with new challenges. Despite his impressive track record, Marquez has been cautious about setting high expectations for himself at COTA this year.
During Friday practice, Marquez found himself in the third position overall, a respectable performance but not up to his usual standards. He acknowledged that he is being forced to change his approach to racing at COTA due to the characteristics of the Ducati compared to his previous Honda bike. Marquez emphasized the need to adapt his riding style and search for new ways to find speed on the track. He highlighted the differences in handling and cornering between the two bikes, noting that he is focusing on understanding these nuances in order to improve his lap times.
As Marquez continues to compete on the Ducati, he is finding that his instincts from his time on the Honda are gradually diminishing. He described the process of learning to ride the Ducati as a gradual evolution, with each circuit presenting new challenges for him to overcome. Despite the difficulties he faces in adjusting to a different bike, Marquez remains determined to fully embrace his new role as a Ducati rider and refine his approach to racing.
Despite the initial struggles Marquez faced during the opening practice session, he was pleased with the way his Gresini team responded to his set-up troubles. He commended their quick adjustments and the improved feeling he had on the bike during the second run of the day. Marquez highlighted the importance of continuous adaptation and collaboration with his team in order to address any issues and fine-tune the performance of the bike. By working together and making incremental improvements, Marquez believes he can overcome the challenges posed by the transition to the Ducati and strive for success at COTA.
Marc Marquez’s journey at COTA reflects the ongoing challenges of adapting to a new team and a different machine in MotoGP. While his past achievements at the circuit have been remarkable, he recognizes the need to push himself beyond familiar boundaries and explore new approaches to racing. By embracing the learning process and remaining open to change, Marquez demonstrates resilience and determination in his pursuit of excellence in motorcycle racing.
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