P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marc Marquez shattered the Aragon lap record in practice, but he’s come close to race-winning form in his first Ducati year before and not managed to convert. The Race assesses the factors behind his win legitimacy
Following Friday practice at the returning Aragon Grand Prix, it became evident that Marc Marquez had a strong chance of claiming his first race win as a Ducati rider, especially considering his past successes at this track. Despite previous missed opportunities due to crashes or unfavorable circumstances, Marquez seemed poised for success this time around.
Marquez’s expertise in low-grip and variable-grip conditions could be a significant advantage at the resurfaced Motorland Aragon circuit. While the track was observed to be dirty and lacking grip during FP1, Marquez demonstrated his confidence and skill in adapting to challenging conditions.
Although some riders mentioned improvements in grip levels by the afternoon, Marquez maintained his performance advantage and set a new lap record. His closest rivals, such as Aleix Espargaro and Jorge Martin, were still several tenths behind.
The Ducati team’s upgraded ride height device for newer bikes was noted as potentially less impactful at Aragon, favoring Marquez’s year-old Ducati. However, Marquez acknowledged that the competition could narrow as track conditions continued to improve and other riders adapted to the circuit.
Overall, Marquez’s strong showing in Friday practice sets the stage for an exciting race weekend, with potential challenges from competitors like Jack Miller and the improving Aprilia riders. The key factor for Marquez will be maintaining his performance on race day and utilizing his experience and instincts on the ever-changing Aragon track.
