Debut on Ducati

Is Marquez bluffing? “I’m not ready yet”

Marc Márquez (left) explained in Qatar that he still needs time. Pedro Acosta confirms all the premature praise in training.

(Bild: EPA)

Marc Marquez, eight-time MotoGP world champion, gave up many Honda millions to be able to win again. His first start on a Ducati is scheduled for today in the sprint race. Is he bluffing? "I'm not ready yet," he says.

The waiting is over, as is the bluffing! When the MotoGP season opens today (5pm, live on ServusTV) with the sprint race at the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar, the cards will have to be put on the table. Including those of Marc Márquez, who switched to Ducati after eleven years with Honda in order to finally celebrate victories again and keep his chance of winning his ninth world championship title, which would be his seventh in the premier class. To do so, the Spaniard gave up millions from the most lucrative contract in motorcycle racing.

But is Márquez ready to ride the new bike onto the podium or even to first place?

"No," he says, "I feel comfortable, but I'm not ready to race for victory yet."

Time needed
A look back shows that (almost) everyone still needed time to adapt to the Desmosedici (see box on the right): Only Casey Stoner set the bar really high, with the Australian celebrating his first victory in 2007 in Qatar on his very first start on a Ducati. It took Francesco Bagnaia no fewer than 42 races to win for the first time in Aragón-Alcañiz in 2021. And today he is double world champion and top favorite for the title.

Devilish combination
Who, of course, also has the former champion on his radar. "His bike is fast and he is Marc Márquez," says Pecco, who knows what a devilish combination that can be for the competition. Even if the 31-year-old is still putting the brakes on expectations - or is he bluffing?

In any case, the Gresini Ducati rider could break any number of records again in 2024. For example, becoming the first private rider to become world champion and overtake Valentino Rossi for the MotoGP title. In any case, fourth place in free practice yesterday did not suggest that Marquez is really that far away.

Although at least one rider stole the show: "child prodigy" Pedro Acosta was third straight away. The 19-year-old GasGas rider underlined the accolades of being the best rookie since 2013. Since a certain Marc Márquez.