P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marc Marquez insisted that Jorge Martin’s tactics to distress Francesco Bagnaia were “within the regulations” even if critics think it is “unsportsmanlike”.
During the Friday practice at the Valencia MotoGP, Martin followed Bagnaia, irritating Ducati’s Davide Tardozzi and causing the reigning champion to enter Q1 on Saturday. Bagnaia, currently leading the standings by 21 points over Martin, was only the 13th fastest on Friday, while Martin secured the third position. Marquez, known for mind games and controversial tactics, approved of Martin’s actions, stating that it is within the regulations and part of the competition. Marquez expects Martin to continue destabilizing Bagnaia during the races. Marquez, who is riding for Honda for the last time before joining Gresini Ducati in 2024, was seventh fastest on Friday, considering a podium finish possible if the current pace is maintained. However, he predicts that the competition will intensify, and everything will depend on the qualifying session.
