Optimizing Performance: Inside Marc Marquez’s Adaptation to the GP23 with Gresini’s Engineering Team

Clarified: Essential Focus Areas for Marc Marquez's Technical Team to Enhance the GP23

Michael Laverty discusses the strategies the Gresini team is employing to adapt the GP23 to Marc Marquez’s preferences.

Ex-MotoGP rider and TNT Sports analyst Michael Laverty has outlined the critical modifications Gresini implemented to tailor the 2023 Ducati to Marc Marquez's preferences.

Despite Ducati racers occupying the first four positions in the global championship rankings, Marquez, who is in third place, is the sole competitor among them riding a bike from the previous year.

At the same time, the current frontrunner Jorge Martin, defending champion Francesco Bagnaia, and his team colleague Enea Bastianini are all riding the newest GP24 models.

“Marc Marquez is riding a machine that's already a year old. Could it gain speed with the latest aerodynamic fairing? Likely. So, faced with a technical shortfall, what's the strategy? Having Marquez as your rider gives you a significant advantage right from the outset!” Lavery remarked in a segment for TNT Sport.

The task for the Gresini team has been to ensure Marc feels at ease. Having spent his entire MotoGP career on a Honda, he's now adjusting to the feel of a Ducati.

Laverty pointed out the following key areas:

Distance between the seat and the footpeg

"Starting with ergonomics, particularly the distance between the seat and the footpegs. Should the seat be elevated to shift his weight forward? Or should it be lowered to provide more support during braking?"

"The specific details are not clear to us, yet it is expected that the subframes will vary in height. The distance between the seat and the footpeg is anticipated to be approximately 400mm. Marc possesses athletic qualities. His flexibility and suppleness are remarkable. He does not mind feeling a bit squeezed while riding the bike."

Bicycle Steering

Next, you shift your attention to the machine's front section. The handlebars are noticeably broad, somewhat reminiscent of those found on a motocross bike. Marc has a preference for leaning forward over the bike, exerting control forcefully, hence the broad handlebars. This design enables them to apply strong braking pressure, leveraging their body's framework to channel all the force into the machine's front.

"Examining the height of the handlebars, they are positioned 10mm lower on the fork. This may seem minor, but it has a significant impact. From personal experience, lowering the handlebars by 10mm can make a big difference, especially when you're navigating a turn. It helps maintain pressure on the front tire a bit more effectively. This aids in improving traction and steering. Marc is well-known for his outstanding ability to sense the front end, but this motorcycle isn't fond of aggressive riding styles.

Front braking system

Following the Texas Grand Prix, there were remarks concerning Marc experiencing sporadic problems with his front brake, lacking reliability at crucial moments. He prefers his front brake to have a strong response. Consequently, a redesigned front brake lever has been crafted for him.

Marc prefers to use just one finger to apply the brakes, seeking a sharp, immediate reaction. He isn't fond of any slack before the brakes engage. Thus, he expects the front brake to respond instantly. With a gentle press, he's capable of exerting about 15-16 bar of pressure, effectively shifting the weight onto the front tire.

"Marc has a preference for both agility and strength. When he possesses the agility to decelerate more rapidly than others using the brakes, he's able to maintain control into the turn. The advantage of using just one finger for braking is that it allows him to ease into the corner, maintain it during the lean, and thus manage the height of the front fork effectively."

Marc's skill shines as he manages to smoothly continue braking into the curve using just one finger.

"Thus, it appears you're subscribed to a lesser plan. You're eyeing those GP24s with a hint of jealousy. However, you're determined to compete for the championship."

We had a conversation with Frankie Carchedi, who is Marquez's crew chief, about his ability to enhance this motorcycle's performance. He previously achieved significant success with Fabio di Giannantonio, managing to elevate their performance to the highest level by the season's conclusion.

He described it as an ongoing effort. However, I'm confident that they have the capability to succeed once more.

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