Symptomatic and full of winks was the setting chosen for the launch of the Gresini team and its brand new star driver Marc Márquez: a nightclub, Cocoricò, in the town of Riccione, on the Riviera Romagnola, next to the Missano circuit... Sign that the multiple champion intends to “enjoy again” on the motorcycle after four “nightmarish” years, and fight again for victory, which has eluded him since the one achieved on that track in October 2021, more than two years.
“The ambition is the same as in 2013. If I am here it is because I believe I have the opportunity and the level to fight for the top 5,” was Marc Márquez's declaration of intentions at the launch of the Italian satellite team of Ducati, along with his new partner, his brother Àlex, and his new boss, Nadia Padovani, widow of Fausto Gresini and owner of the structure.
As he already hinted at in his first public act as a Gresini driver in Madrid on January 10, the Cervera driver lowered the high expectations of the world, which already sees him as a contender for the crown that he last won in 2019. “No. I can say that I am ready to fight for the title immediately, because you have to have an extra in many aspects. But yes for the top 5 or 6. I have chosen this path to last longer in my sporting career,” said the Catalan, who will turn 31 on February 17.
Márquez, who confirmed that he will ride the Desmosedici GP23, “similar to the bike that Bagnaia and Martín finished with,” pointed out that his worst rival is neither the Italian nor the Madrid rider. “The hardest one is me, because I have to manage myself, the expectation is high.”
Márquez will make his debut on the GP23 in the Sepang pre-season tests on February 6.
