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Marc Marquez didn't like the decision to transform FP2 into a free practice session and move the session that will decide direct entry into Q2 to tomorrow. The Spaniard from the Gresini team explained his viewpoint: “we had a meeting, we voted. What was my vote? Not to change the program – were his words - In my opinion, if they allow us to go on track it is because it is safe and if it is safe we can do the time attack. For me, doing pre-qualifying, qualifying and the sprint race tomorrow is even worse. In the past it was decided that we could race in the wet on this track and the run-off areas are huge, if the asphalt is more slippery just go slower. However we voted, I respect the decision, but I don't agree."
First place in that session made his day brighter. “In the wet, I would have preferred to do it in the dry” he smiled.
You didn't do badly in the dry either, you finished 4th fastest...
“It was a good day, solid, I was looking for it. It was strange to ride the Ducati for the first time in the wet in Qatar and the sensations were good, but the most important thing was to have the same sensations as in the dry tests. There are still 4 or 5 riders faster than me, tomorrow will be a busy day and the main goal will absolutely be to get into Q2 and then do a good lap in qualifying because it will count a lot."
What are your strengths and weaknesses at the moment?
“I struggle in fast corners, usually it happens on a bike you don't have complete confidence with yet. However, I'm good when braking, that's the strength of my riding style."
Do you still have the habit of riding the Ducati like the Honda?
“Today, in FP1, when we went out with more riders, the Honda style again appeared. But then I realised, then I slowed down, I was alone on the track and then I started my practice. And I did the same in the second run. I went out, I saw Martin but I slowed down, I was alone and I just kept going because with the Honda always I was looking for the slipstream, where now I need to work on myself and I need to understand many things.”
Do you feel more ready than you thought yesterday?
“Every day I feel more ready. Not enough still, but it’s true that in Qatar it’s a circuit that I won at only one time. So, it means it’s one of the circuits I've struggled more at in my career. So, even like this I’m not far, not very far from the top guys. But I want to see tomorrow. Today was a bit of a fake day. FP1, for example, Bagnaia wasn’t pushing, a lot of riders weren’t pushing 100%. On wet conditions also it’s strange. Tomorrow we will see a bit where we are.”
Can you understand where you are in your transition process from Honda to Ducati?
“I don’t know. I can say 100%, but then in three races I will say ‘no, I was 60%’. What I feel now is that I’m doing all that I know, all that I feel, to be better and better every day. Of course I did in the pre-season the correct steps. I was calm, trying to avoid crashing. Of course, the race weekend is a bit different, in a race weekend you already increase the risk.”
Is it true that the Ducati adapts to all riding styles?
“At the moment I ride it very smoothly, it's the only bike where I feel the bike. I can't drift like I used to, only on some laps, but I've been riding the same bike for 11 years, now I've gotten on another one and each one has its secrets. Bagnaia and Martin know the Ducati well, you can see it in the flying lap, but they have only ridden this bike and don't make any confusion."
Whose data will you look at tonight?
“I've already looked at them (laughs). Those of Martin, who was the fastest, and also those of Bagnaia. Pecco was 10th in FP1, but he is already faster than me in some sectors. Tomorrow he and Jorge will fight for pole position."
