Four months after an accident that kept him away from the circuits, Marc Márquez makes his return to the track with palpable determination. On the first day of testing in Sepang, he surprised everyone with his performance, but he approaches this new stage with wisdom, aware of the physical challenges that lie ahead.
A Promising but Measured Return
It is hard not to be impressed by Marc Márquez’s return, especially after such a long hiatus. From the first laps, he made a splash by dominating the time of a session, although the reigning world champion is careful to temper his remarks. “It’s a surprise, but that’s not the most important thing. I put on a new tire at the end of the session, like other riders, but true performance is measured over the course of the entire day,” he stated, while being realistic about the track conditions.
His impressive performance must be weighed against the fact that he opted for reduced track time. Indeed, after a period of absence, he knows better than anyone that he must listen to himself and manage his efforts. “I was super stiff this morning and felt a bit more comfortable this afternoon,” he added, highlighting his strategy of short runs to avoid excessive fatigue. A cautious choice, but one that could prove decisive in the long run.
Goal: To Be 100% in Thailand
The tests in Sepang are just a step towards a bigger goal: arriving in top shape for the Thailand Grand Prix. “That’s the goal,” he asserts, while looking ahead to the next stages. His team manager, Davide Tardozzi, shares this sentiment, noting that Márquez is “pretty well recovered from his injury” and “very close to being 100%.”
There are still two days of testing before heading to Thailand, and Márquez seems to be aware of the importance of this moment. “I feel good for very short runs. I take care of my physical condition because I know that if I don’t feel well, the speed won’t be there,” he explains. He knows that these tests are crucial for fine-tuning his preparation before the race.
Marc Márquez (Ducati Team)
Limited Technical Work for Now
Márquez’s return to his bike is not just about speed: he also needs to regain his technical references. “No. We had a plan but I didn’t feel so well this morning, so I asked Ducati to have the morning for myself,” he confides. He knows that before he can focus on the fine-tuning of his machine, he must first regain his comfort on it.
This first day was therefore more of a rehabilitation than a true test. “This afternoon, I started to feel better and we began to try some things,” he adds. Given that the engine is the same as last year, adaptation shouldn’t pose too many problems, but he remains aware that a good dynamic will be essential for his competitiveness.
A Thoughtful Mindset
With a wealth of experience behind him, Márquez approaches these tests with wisdom gained over the seasons. “For me, in Malaysia, it’s as always: trying to be in the leading group,” he emphasizes. However, he remains clear-eyed about his past performances and the challenges that await him. “I remember that last year, here, Pecco and Álex were much faster than me,” he recalls, aware that each test is a new opportunity for learning.
Márquez seems to be taking a pragmatic approach. For him, the work done in Sepang is fundamental for his preparation, and he intends to make the necessary adjustments to be at the top in the upcoming races. “I know what I need to be competitive throughout the calendar,” he concludes with calm conviction.
