P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Malaysian Grand Prix will offer Ducati a chance to see its rivals’ gains from the winter
Alex Marquez of Gresini Racing Team is anticipating an “interesting” Malaysian Grand Prix, where Ducati will assess its rivals’ progress since pre-season testing at Sepang in 2025. Despite encountering some engine issues with their new bike in February, Ducati appeared as the strong frontrunner, especially with Alex Marquez excelling on the GP24. However, Ducati’s dominance faced challenges from competitors like Aprilia in the second half of the season.
Marquez emphasized the importance of performance consistency at Sepang and the curiosity to gauge rivals’ advancements from pre-season with identical bikes. Noteworthy competitors expected to shine include Marco Bezzecchi and Pecco, with close attention to Aprilia’s traction capabilities. Marquez aims to secure the second position in the standings by maintaining a strategic advantage over Bezzecchi, approaching the race weekend with a mix of caution and willingness to take calculated risks.
Acknowledging the unpredictable weather at Sepang, Marquez stressed the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking amidst a mix of familiarity and potential challenges. As they approach the closing stages of the championship, Marquez and his team feel prepared to make decisive moves and secure their position in the standings.
