Marc Marquez, one of MotoGP’s most dominant riders, is no stranger to victory. Having won multiple world championships on Honda, his switch to Ducati was a move filled with promise. However, many fans were left wondering why his transition to winning on the new bike wasn’t as swift as expected. Recently, Alberto Puig, a key figure in Marquez’s career, shed light on the reasons behind this delay.
In a candid interview, Puig expressed that the complexities of adapting to Ducati’s unique characteristics were a significant factor. “It’s too bad,” Puig remarked, “because Marc is a rider who always finds the limit and pushes beyond. But the Ducati is not Honda. It’s a completely different animal.”
A Different Beast
One of the primary challenges Marquez faced was adjusting his riding style to suit Ducati’s powerful yet intricate machine. Ducati bikes, known for their raw speed and robust engines, require a different approach compared to the more agile and precise Honda. Marquez, who had honed his skills on Honda’s smoother handling for years, needed time to adapt to Ducati’s aggressive nature.
“The Ducati demands a different type of control, especially in cornering,” Puig explained. “Marc had to unlearn certain habits he developed over years on Honda and embrace a new style, which took longer than anticipated. People think it’s easy for someone as talented as Marc, but when you’ve ridden one bike for so long, the transition isn’t instant.”
Injuries and Setbacks
Another key reason behind Marquez’s delayed success on Ducati was his recovery from injuries. Over the past few seasons, Marquez has struggled with multiple physical setbacks, including a severe arm injury that kept him off the track for an extended period. Puig highlighted that this took a toll on Marquez’s confidence and ability to push himself on a new bike.
“Marc wasn’t 100% for a long time,” Puig noted. “Even when he returned, he had to rebuild both his physical strength and his mental sharpness. The injuries definitely played a role in slowing down his progress with Ducati.”
A Stronger Competitor Field
Puig also pointed out that the competitive landscape in MotoGP has evolved. “When Marc was dominating on Honda, the field wasn’t as close as it is today. Now, there are several riders capable of winning races, and the level of competition is higher than ever.”
With younger and more aggressive riders entering the scene, the margin for error has significantly decreased. Marquez’s delayed success on Ducati was partly due to the fierce competition, which left little room for adjustment.
The Turning Point
Despite the initial struggles, Puig is confident that Marquez has now found his rhythm on Ducati. Recent performances have shown glimpses of the old Marquez — the fearless competitor willing to take risks for victory. Puig believes that Marquez is now fully comfortable with the Ducati’s capabilities and can once again compete for titles.
“Marc is a fighter,” Puig concluded. “He always finds a way to win. It took longer than we expected, but now that he’s in sync with the Ducati, the wins will come more frequently. He’s back to his best.”
Looking Ahead
Marquez’s journey with Ducati has been one of resilience and adaptation. While many expected him to start winning immediately after switching to the Italian manufacturer, the road was more challenging than anticipated. However, with Puig’s insights, it’s clear that the combination of bike adjustments, injuries, and increased competition played pivotal roles in the delay.
As the MotoGP season progresses, fans can look forward to seeing Marquez fully unleashed on the Ducati. The delays may have been frustrating, but as Puig emphasized, the wait will only make the victories sweeter.
