P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Portimao could banish the last remaining doubt that Marc Marquez is a MotoGP 2024 title contender – or reinforce it
Gradually, the true picture of Marc Marquez’s first season at Ducati and his potential with the Desmosedici has been coming into focus during the off-season and the start of the campaign. Following the Qatar Grand Prix, it appears that Marquez has a strong hand on the table, finishing fourth and keeping Bagnaia and Martin within reach. However, Marquez himself acknowledges the room for improvement on the bike, especially concerning tire management. Despite his competitive performance, other riders like Bagnaia, Binder, and Martin are cautiously optimistic about Marquez’s title contention in 2024, awaiting further proof of his capabilities. The upcoming Portuguese Grand Prix will be a crucial test for Marquez to assess his progress and better understand his current standing in the championship race.