Marquez Braces for Flyaway Challenge on Older Ducati Amid Championship Battle

Marc Marquez forecasts variations between GP23 and GP24 during overseas races

Marc Marquez maintains his victories came under "unusual circumstances"

Marc Marquez anticipates remaining at a disadvantage with his equipment as MotoGP enters its overseas races.

Marquez is competing for the title on a Ducati from last year, while Jorge Martin, Pecco Bagnaia, and Enea Bastianini are riding the newest model of the motorcycle.

There's been considerable discussion regarding the variations between the GP23 and GP24, with Marquez expecting that minor difference to persist through the upcoming overseas races.

"He pointed out that the situation has remained consistent throughout the year, particularly in the latter half of the season, when discussing the disparities between the GP23 and GP24 models."

"I emerged victorious in two competitions, albeit under two unusual circumstances. This past weekend, the traction was exceptionally high, causing me more difficulties compared to the earlier race [at Misano], where the conditions were warmer and the track speed was reduced."

I found myself feeling more at ease there. However, attempting to go at my own speed yesterday resulted in two accidents.

"This revealed to me that I wasn't prepared this weekend, leading me to take a step back, secure a fourth-place finish, and look ahead to what we might achieve in the upcoming races."

"However, that's precisely why I continue to emphasize the same point: to compete for the championship down the line, I must enhance my performance slightly to gain that critical extra half-tenth, one tenth, or two tenths, as that often turns out to be the decisive factor at the race's conclusion."

Marquez expresses gratitude for 'gift'

Marquez admits he was looking at securing the fourth spot in the MotoGP Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, regardless of his efforts, until Francesco Bagnaia's unexpected "gift".

The rider from Gresini couldn't match his victorious performance from the previous weekend's San Marino GP at Misano, facing additional setbacks from a fall during the second qualifying session (Q2) that resulted in a seventh-place position.

Marquez mentioned that his goal for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was to finish fourth, and he observed that even if he exerted extra effort to narrow the distance to the front runners, it wouldn't improve his standing beyond that position.

Consequently, he chose to secure his position before Bagnaia's unexpected fall from third place ultimately awarded him the podium spot.

"Marquez mentioned, 'My objective at the beginning of the race was to secure the fourth position.'"

"Actually, during the initial segment of the race, my focus was on managing Pedro Acosta and Marco Bezzecchi. They were the two contenders with the speed to challenge me for the fourth position."

At that moment, I realized engaging in high-risk behavior would likely land me in fourth position, possibly trailing the leader by four seconds.

Opting for a safer approach would result in finishing in fourth position, lagging eight seconds behind the frontrunner.

Ultimately, the outcome remained unchanged, aligning with our actions. However, we were lucky that Pecco erred, handing us a gift in the form of a podium spot.

"Delighted that the team secured another podium finish at their home race."

Enea Bastianini's victory in the grand prix has caused Marquez to drop to fourth place in the rankings, yet he remains just 60 points behind the leader in the championship race.

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