Marc Marquez Aims to Validate Austrian MotoGP Speed at Aragon GP Amid Tyre Challenges

Marc Marquez aims to validate his Austrian MotoGP performance at the Aragon GP

At the Austrian MotoGP, Marc Marquez demonstrated strong pace, although a unique rear tyre design complicated the assessment.

Marc Marquez has not secured a podium finish since MotoGP resumed following the summer hiatus, but in Austria, his performance wasn't hindered by a lack of pace.

A problematic beginning, triggered by an issue with his front start mechanism as he approached his third-place starting spot, pushed him back to 14th at the first corner. After climbing back to fourth place, Marquez managed to demonstrate a faster speed than Enea Bastianini, who finished third, and showed a pace comparable to the leaders, Jorge Martin and the eventual winner, Francesco Bagnaia.

Nonetheless, Marquez showed better performance compared to the previous British Grand Prix, where he also secured a fourth-place finish. This improvement came during a somewhat unusual weekend in MotoGP due to the tyres provided by Michelin for the race.

The frequent intense accelerations at the Red Bull Ring place considerable strain on the rear tyre, causing it to endure extreme pressures and heat up more than it would on other tracks. To address this issue, Michelin provides rear tyres with a more robust construction for the Austrian Grand Prix, differing from the standard rear tyre. This modification alters the technical setup for all motorcycles participating in this race, as well as for the Thai and Indonesian Grands Prix, where the same tyre construction is also utilized.

Due to the alteration in tyre construction, Marquez is uncertain about maintaining his performance from Austria in the upcoming races.

"The tire casing will revert to a standard one for the Aragon race," Marquez mentioned to TNT Sports following the Austrian event. "We will find out if I perform well with the special casing used in Austria or if I also do well with the standard 2024 casing — we will see in Aragon."

This weekend marks MotoGP's return to Aragon after a hiatus since 2022. The Aragon Grand Prix was not held in 2023 because the MotorLand circuit was being resurfaced. This update is expected to offer better traction this year compared to previous races.

This results in another notable race concerning tyre choices, with Michelin opting for compounds that are on the harder side of its range. A significant change this year is the introduction of three rear compounds instead of the typical two. This adjustment is made not only due to the new track surface but also because the race is scheduled earlier in the year, likely leading to higher track temperatures than in previous years.

"Managing wear and temperature will be the primary difficulties this weekend," stated Piero Taramasso, Michelin's Two-Wheel Motorsport Manager. "Considering the anticipated conditions, we have selected relatively hard rubber compounds from our new series, since the track temperatures could climb to 50°C."

"Two years prior, the race occurred on September 18 under somewhat simpler weather conditions, and on a track whose surface was quite familiar to us."

"Considering the fresh asphalt, the layout of the track, and the substantial demands this course places on the tires, both front and rear, we are beginning anew with different tires."

MotorLand has consistently been one of the toughest tracks for handling rear tire wear. The circuit features several long-radius turns, making it difficult to maintain edge grip. This issue is similar to what was experienced at Silverstone, where Marquez faced difficulties earlier this month.

The counterclockwise Aragon circuit has consistently been a strong venue for Marquez, with victories in the top category in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

In his last two appearances, he faced setbacks, losing a close race to Francesco Bagnaia in 2021 and crashing on the first lap in 2022.

Marquez acknowledged his fondness for the Aragon circuit, echoing his previous statements made at Sachsenring and Austin. He expressed optimism that a flawless weekend could give him a shot at competing with the leading riders. However, he also conceded that, despite ideal conditions and an impeccable performance, it would still be challenging to match their speed.

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