KUALA LUMPUR – Six-time MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez missed out on a podium finish at the Qatar GP early this morning but insisted that he is not frustrated with the result.
Marquez, who switched from Honda to Gresini Ducati this year, made his race debut on the satellite Desmosedici machinery on Saturday’s Sprint Race where he finished fifth.
He learned from that race to improve in the main race and finished just behind the winner Francesco Bagnaia, Brad Binder in second, and Jorge Martin in third.
“Of course, we tried and we pushed (for the podium), but it was not possible.
“They were faster than me, but I’m not frustrated because I already said on Thursday that our position is 4th-5th-6th. Yesterday 5th [in the Sprint], today 4th.
“The podium was close, but it’s true that still I don’t feel 100% comfortable riding like I want. But let’s see if we can improve for the next races,” Marquez told MotoGP.com.
The former Repsol Honda rider spent much of the grand prix on the tail of sprint winner Martin.
“He was a bit better than me on the exit of the corners.
“I was struggling a bit more than yesterday in that area, but I was stronger in other areas because we did a small change on the bike. The team did a very good job,” said Marquez.
The next race will be at the Algarve circuit from March 22 to 24. – March 11, 2024