The much-talked-about combination becomes a reality as Marc Marquez finally makes his Ducati debut at the post-season test at Valencia, setting the fourth-fastest timing. The eight-time world champion rode a black Ducati Desmosedici GP23 for the Gresini Racing satellite team.
The Spaniard quickly moved to the top of the MotoGP timesheet in the Ducati, however, Maverick Vinales put in a few quick laps on his Aprilia to set the fastest timing for the day. Marco Bezzecchi from the VR46 team managed to find a sweet spot between Vinales and Marquez on his Ducati, however, Brad Binder managed to set the second-fastest lap with 10 minutes to go.
As a result, Marquez settles for fourth place, with Vinales taking the pole position, followed by Binder on his KTM, followed by Bezzecchi. The pre-season testing also saw multiple riders – Marc Marquez, Luca Marini, Alex Rins, Johann Zarco, Franco Morbidelli, and Fabio di Giannantonio – riding for their new teams.
As per reports, Marquez was left smiling after his debut ride with Ducati, finishing 49 laps ahead of the winter break. Marquez has not spoken to the media yet, as he is still under Honda’s contract until the end of this year. There will be more action and news in the next few days until testing starts again in Sepang in February.