P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marquez “comfortable” on Ducati MotoGP bike “but not ready for podium”
The eight-time grand prix world champion is starting his first season on Ducati after 11 seasons with Honda. Marquez ended pre-season testing competitively, aiming to close the gap to the top riders by finding three tenths of a second. Despite feeling good on the 2023-spec Ducati, Marquez doesn’t expect to challenge for the podium in the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix. He acknowledges the pressure to perform on the championship-winning bike but stresses the importance of taking his time and learning from younger riders like Martin, Bagnaia, and Bastianini. Marquez emphasizes the need to adapt his riding style and maintain a high level of performance as new talents emerge in MotoGP.
