Álex Márquez surprised at the Jerez tests: "I didn't expect to feel like this"

Álex Márquez wasn't expecting such a reaction. After three difficult opening races, the Spaniard made a strong statement right from the Jerez test session, setting the fastest time of 1:35.704, with a clear lead over his rivals. A striking contrast to his own expectations. "Frankly, I didn't expect to feel like this today, especially after a very difficult start to the season."he admitted to the media in Jerez, including AUTOhebdo.

More than the stopwatch, it's the feeling that makes all the difference: "From this morning, I immediately had very good feelings about the rhythm, the trajectories, the fluidity." This turning point, according to him, hinges on one key element: "The most important thing is not to fight with the motorcycle, but to try to dance with it a little." A more relaxed approach that allowed him to regain speed, but also consistency on long relays.

In-depth work, particularly on electronics

This return to form is no accident. In recent weeks, Ducati has continued its development work, particularly on electronics, a key area in a very rigid technical regulation environment. "We always have developments on the electronic side, especially when we have a four-week break."explained the youngest of the Márquez brothers. "There were things to try during the test, but some have already been introduced today. It's not a huge difference, but a little help is always welcome."

Above all, the driver emphasizes a change in personal mindset, after having focused too much on problems at the start of the season: "I told them (To his team. Editor's note) that I needed to focus more on the positives and not dwell too much on the negative. Today, I was able to ride more smoothly, rediscover that feeling and that desire to attack. Despite this improved time, everything is not yet perfect. Braking, in particular, remains an identified weakness, already present during the first races.

"I couldn't stop the motorcycle properly. Even today, I struggled a bit with that, so it's not a problem solved.""He admitted that electronic adjustments offer avenues for improvement, but work is still ongoing." "We're introducing a lot of things across all parameters, and it's working. We need to keep going like this." Compared to the previous year, Álex Márquez nevertheless believes he has regained a similar overall level on this circuit, with even some gains in certain phases: "Perhaps I'm a little better at the apex than last year. So the balance is there."

A status that needs to be confirmed in the face of stiff competition

Although this performance immediately places him among the benchmarks of the weekend, the Ducati rider remains cautious. "I think it's a little too early to say."He tempered this, noting Ducati's ability to improve throughout the weekend. He nevertheless identified several direct rivals: "In terms of rhythm, Fabio [Di Giannantonio], Marc [Márquez] and I are on another level compared to the others."

This statement clearly places him among the leading group, without, however, establishing him as the sole favorite. The objective is now clear: to confirm this performance on Saturday and continue to capitalize on this renewed confidence. "I'm going to try to find two or three tenths of a second better."he concluded. An admission that speaks volumes: after a somewhat lackluster start to the season, Álex Márquez may have finally found his form. This still needs to be confirmed over the rest of the weekend, with the first decisive race this Saturday starting at 10:45 am for qualifying.

Interview by Luca Bartolomeo, in Jerez.

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