Marc Marquez on the tricky Le Mans track: "It depends on the weather"

Le Mans Will it be the place of redemption for Marc Marquez? While the Ducati rider has already suffered his second crash of the season in the race at Jerez, the Spaniard is one point behind his brother, Alex Marquez, whose consistency is, for the moment, the biggest difference before facing each other again on the Bugatti circuit.

At the press conference, Marc Marquez was asked about his expectations before the French Grand Prix, as well as about his recent races, some of which were marked by problematic falls. "On Sunday in Jerez, I was too optimistic in this corner. I arrived too fast and I didn't widen my line enough, I pushed too hard on the front. It was a mistake on my part, he first acknowledged. I have to try to avoid that, especially because it was in the second or third round."

Clear about his share of responsibility in this event which caused him to lose the lead in the championship, Marquez does not lose sight of the near future, and this new circuit to tackle. “Le Mans is a circuit I like, but it depends on the weather. Not just if it’s raining or dry, but also if it’s cold or hot, because that completely changes the driving style, he explained.
If it's cold, the left turns are trickier and I can't really push or make a difference. But if it's warm enough, the feeling with the bike and the tires is much better."

A long-distance duel between the Marquez brothers at Le Mans

Although Marc Marquez seems to be feeling better on a warmer track at the Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans clearly doesn't seem to be able to offer him what he wants this weekend. Rain is expected on Saturday and Sunday, during qualifying and both races. It is in this context that he will have to manage another anticipated battle alongside his brother, the current championship leader.

"It's a pleasure to fight against my brother. And I feel better because if I lose against him, it stays in the family, he commented, amused. But more seriously, we know each other well, and what's important is that the situation in the championship hasn't changed our relationship. We're even closer than ever to keep moving forward and fighting. Of course, I want the best for him, and he wants the best for me."

With the final sector being the most fluid, Marc Marquez will have to contend with seemingly changeable conditions this weekend. To assert his machine's superiority, the Ducati rider will need to demonstrate the same consistency as his younger brother, and take advantage of his pace to secure another victory, his first in France since 2019.

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