Ducati: Bagnaia warns Marquez after early laps. Marc cautious

Positive feelings for Pecco Bagnaia after his first laps with the new Ducati in the Sepang test: the two-time world champion had a very positive first impression of the bike. “Fortunately, my feeling is very good, especially on the front of the bike on braking and entry, what we were looking for last year. We worked very well, everything we tried gave clear feedback”. Bagnaia hasn”t looked for the time attack yet: “We”ll do it later, on the third day”.

“For now we focused on bringing forward the fairing and the tires: there are pros and cons, but I did the same time with both, so as a start it is positive. We tried the new bike, renewed in some aspects where we could intervene. Right away I felt good. Fortunately, the 2025 limit here seems not to be there. I know you still have to take everything with pliers, but I am very relieved after this first day”, the Ducatista told Sky.

Marc Marquez chose caution on the first day of testing: “It was quite a difficult morning, especially in getting feedback. I felt strange, that delayed the program a little bit because I told the team I needed laps; then in the afternoon we started to try some aerodynamic things and I started to feel more relaxed on the bike. Today’s time however doesn’t count for anything, I only got it because we were at the end of testing”.

On his physical condition: “If I feel good, I am fast, but it is true that it is only the first day and I am fresher, also because my outings were very short: I would do 2-3 laps and then go back to the pits, just to keep my shoulder fresh”.

“Right now it is important for the shoulder to work well, not to be among the frontrunners. That was my main concern: I need laps and to continue my preparation. I am not referring to rehabilitation because I have already done it, but to my preparation for the GP both on the technical and physical aspect”.