Marc Marquez insisted he didn’t feel frustrated at missing out on a Qatar MotoGP podium by just one place and 1.5s in Sunday’s grand prix.
The new Gresini Ducati rider corrected his opening lap weakness from Saturday to shadow the leading trio for much of the 21 laps, barring a brief mid-race overtake from rookie Pedro Acosta
While Marquez – and especially Miguel Oliveira – paid the price for an overly aggressive approach during last year’s Portimao opener, as a Repsol Honda rider, Marquez was far more measured on his new Desmosedici machinery.
Again the top GP23 rider, Marquez completed an accident-free weekend by taking the chequered flag behind only Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati), Brad Binder (KTM) and Jorge Martin (Ducati).
“Of course, we tried and we pushed [for the podium], but it was not possible,” Marquez, the top satellite rider in both Qatar races, told MotoGP.com.
They were faster than me. But it’s not a frustration because I already said on Thursday; Our position is 4th-5th-6th. In fact, yesterday 5th [in the Sprint] today 4th.
“Always the podium was close. But it’s true that still I don’t feel 100% comfortable to ride like I want. But let’s see if we can improve for the next races.”
