Alex Marquez “felt at house” instantly on Ducati MotoGP bike in take a look at

Double MotoGP podium finisher Marquez will change from Honda after three seasons (one with the manufacturing unit squad in 2020 and two with LCR in 2021/2022) to Ducati after signing a deal with Gresini to ride a year-old Desmosedici in 2023.

Marquez was launched by Honda to check the Ducati within the first pre-season take a look at of 2023 on the Tuesday following the Valencia Grand Prix.

Having endured a troublesome 12 months on the Honda, ending it seventeenth with 50 factors and a greatest end of seventh, Marquez was beaming after his first journey out on the Ducati – although contractually was not allowed to make any comparisons between his new bike and the RC213V.

“It was a really constructive day, from the primary run I felt at house on this bike,” Marquez mentioned on the finish of the Valencia take a look at after ending the day fifteenth.

“We had been instantly quick and aggressive. That is crucial.

“We did not truly make any changes to the bike all day, we simply adjusted ourselves.

“That went very well. Winter goes to be too lengthy for me! I want one other day to make use of the potential of this bike.

“We all know this bike positively has potential. Within the qualifying run I used to be not but in a position to ask for every thing [from the bike], however I’m glad that on the primary day with this bike we’re solely six tenths of first.

“Most significantly, I used to be in a position to be very constant by way of velocity.”

Alex Marquez, Gresini Racing

Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Marquez famous that he can “use the pure fashion a bit higher” with the Ducati however “nonetheless we have to uncover a bit extra from this machine”.

He additionally mentioned he seen a “huge distinction” with the Ducati in comparison with the Honda.

Regardless of his enthusiasm for the Ducati already, Marquez admits it’s nonetheless “too early” to remark what he can take into consideration by way of 2023 season goals proper now.

“It is too early to say, I can not say I’ll struggle for the championship,” he added.

“We have to make a really strong base within the winter that we are able to begin nicely with in Portimao.

“We’ve this 2022 model of the Ducati, so we do not have to strive a lot new. We have to construct confidence and see the place we’ve got potential.”