Gresini Racing RACER Marc Marquez won the third podium in the sprint race session of the 16th MotoGP series of the 2024 season at the Motegi Circuit, Japan, Saturday (5/10).
Even though he started from ninth position, Marquez was able to appear more comfortable on the Ducati Desmosedici GP23 motorbike to reach the third podium, behind two factory Ducati racers, namely Franceso Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini.
Marquez in the qualifying session recorded a time of 1 minute 44.497 seconds. He had recorded a best time of 1:42.868 seconds, but his pole position was annulled because he touched the track limit.
Also read: Marc Marquez Affirms Determination to Rise at the Motegi Circuit
“We were unlucky because we passed narrowly on the green line, but the notification came too late so we couldn’t try again and fell far behind on the grid,” said Marquez as quoted by Between.
The number 93 racer added, “My job is to stay calm and become more comfortable mentally to get back up.”
“I was competing with Enea Bastianini for second place, but she did a great job in holding her position,” said Marc.
Also read: Failing to win at Mandalika, Marc Marquez shifts focus to the Japanese GP
Another Gresini Racing racer, Alex Marquez, who finished in seventh position, said, “Today was positive, although there was nothing special.”
“I didn’t qualify well, but then we were competitive in the race. The choice of tires will be crucial tomorrow, but we have the opportunity to perform well and race for the top positions,” he said.
In the 2024 MotoGP standings, Marc is in fourth position with 295 points. Meanwhile, Alex is in 12th position with 124 points.
Japanese GP sprint race results:
- Franceso Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo)
- Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo)
- Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing)
- Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac)
- Franco Morbidelli (First Pramac)
- Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46)
- Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing)
- Jack Miller (KTM)
- Maverick Vinales (Aprilia)
- Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46)
- Raul Fernandez (TrackhouseRacing)
- Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha)
- Luca Marini (Repsol Honda)
- Johann Zarco (LCR Honda)
- August Fernandez (GASGAS Tech3)
(Z-6)
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