Marc Márquez finished the first day of training in Mugello in fifth position. The Spanish rider was only 0.407 milliseconds behind the first-placed Francesco Bagnaia. The Gresini Racing MotoGP rider thus secures access to Q2, after two GPs without being able to qualify in the top 12 overall.
In the debrief, Marc talked about the sensations of the first day of training at the Italian circuit.
– Happy, happy, of course happier than on other Fridays and more relaxed, but it is true that it is just a Q2, it is something that has to be normal in the future. I would like not to have that question anymore, it is a normal thing. But it is true that, at the moment, we are having difficulties. Today we changed the training strategy to try to prepare well for time trials. And yes, indeed, I have a good pace, like in the last races, but it seems that in qualifying, in the time trial, I am a little closer, but it is still not enough. Today was going well and I really enjoyed it. It is true that it is very pleasant to ride with the Ducati here in Mugello. I go out and, speaking honestly, we didn’t touch anything on the bike. I feel good, the bike was working well, I liked it and I was coming to Mugello thinking… I mean, I had a memory where when I did the first lap I said “wow, it’s a different circuit”. In the end, it’s the same, but it’s much smoother and less bumpy than in previous years.
Speaking about arriving at Mugello, a circuit that in the past had a big impact on the Spanish rider’s career, as it was where he made the decision to have surgery on his arm, Marc emphasized: ‘For that reason, I am enjoying it and, as you can see, in my career I never celebrate like I am celebrating now. But this arm injury changed my perspective on racing a bit, the perspective of my life, and yes, I am enjoying it and I know I have suffered a lot in these last four years. So, now I will enjoy all the good moments. A good moment means finishing in the top three, enjoying the team and the bike. Then, of course, if we win a championship, that is something very special. But good moments always happen, it’s a second life. I thought I was already ending my career, but now I am enjoying it a lot. For that reason, last year, I chose a one-year contract with Gresini. Because I always believed in myself, believed in my potential and, if we show our potential and are fast, we will have options. Fortunately for me, I have different options, but of course… I have some priorities and the people who need to know this know how comfortable I feel and know my priorities’.
Questioned about his relationship with Gigi Dall’Igna, Marc replied: ‘With Dall’Igna, it has been a very good relationship since 2018. We have always had a very honest and direct relationship. Pecco, at this moment, is the strongest of all. In time trial he is very good, but not only that, he is also very good in race pace. That’s why he has won in the last two years, he is the favorite. But our goal is to try to stay among the top three. That will already be difficult, all these riders are very fast. For me, it’s not about that. Of course, now I am fighting for the top and then people seem… it’s more exciting. But, for me, if I am looking from the outside, as I know, the twists of good athletes, the great decisions of good athletes, sometimes you need to take a breath to do it. But I always appreciate it very much and that’s what I did last year. I made a risky and aggressive decision and also very difficult. I want the best bike and I want to show myself what I am capable of. It takes courage to do it.’
