Strategy of Staying Behind Alex to Increase Tire Pressure
Marc Marquez made a dream debut with the Ducati Lenovo Team, securing pole position, a sprint race victory, and a triumph in the main race. To make it even more special, he shared the MotoGP class 1-2 finish with his younger brother, Alex Marquez. “I can’t even imagine how happy my family is,” he said.
Marquez enjoyed a smooth ride early in the race but encountered an issue with tire pressure. To bring it into the optimal range, he reinforced his braking and strategically decided to stay behind Alex. He calculated that he could meet the regulations and then launch his attack with three laps to go, ultimately securing the victory. “Today, I had the speed to execute this strategy. I really appreciate the fantastic work of my team,” he reflected.
Marc Marquez’s Post-Race Comments
“Starting this new journey with Ducati Lenovo Team by taking pole position and winning is like a dream. Sharing the top two positions in the MotoGP class with my brother makes it even better. I can’t imagine how happy my parents must be. Today’s race was tough in the heat while staying behind Alex, but I had no choice due to the tire pressure issue. It’s the best way to start the championship.”
“The first two laps after the start were comfortable. However, I soon realized that the tire pressure was not within the proper range. So, from the second to the third lap, I applied stronger and longer braking to increase the pressure.”
“But then I realized I couldn’t do it alone. I waited for Alex and positioned myself behind him. Taking the remaining laps and the tire pressure regulations into account, I calculated that attacking with three laps left would be safe. So, I launched my attack at that moment.” (If the tire pressure does not exceed the regulated limit for at least 60% of the race, it is a rule violation.)
“After spending the necessary laps behind Alex, I made my move. Thanks to my speed today, I was able to execute this strategy. I appreciate the outstanding work my team has done throughout the preseason.”
“Both the bike and the team feel great. We had a small issue today, but we are still a new team, learning more about each other.”
“Alex was consistently faster than me in Turns 7 and 8. However, I wasn’t pushing as hard on acceleration. Instead, I focused on braking later and stronger to increase tire pressure. If you stay in the slipstream, you can’t brake as aggressively. Today, my main focus was raising the front tire pressure, which is usually the opposite.”
“Starting the season with two wins and 37 points is an amazing feeling. Since I had a good feeling in Malaysia, I believed I had a chance in Thailand as well. In Malaysia, I was able to run at a similar level to Pecco and Alex, so I felt good from the beginning here. Things might change, but I want to enjoy this moment and carry this approach throughout the season.”
“When overtaking, whether it’s my brother or a teammate, a rival is still a rival. At the same time, I aim to pass cleanly and avoid mistakes. However, in extreme situations, overtakes can become intense. Today, I was in full control and knew exactly where to overtake. After passing Alex, I pushed slightly ahead so that he would be mindful of the gap to Pecco.”
“When I overtook Alex, my front wheel locked up, but I was also using the rear brake during hard braking. Pecco is skilled at this using the thumb brake, which makes his braking strong. I tried it during preseason but couldn’t get the hang of it. I use my foot to apply the rear brake, but when I released it, the front locked up. In a race, there are always three or four moments where you have to take big risks without making mistakes.”
“The heat today was brutal. When leading, it’s manageable, but following behind makes it harder to breathe. My hands and feet felt extremely hot. However, the race in India a few years ago was even more grueling.”
“Leading the championship alongside my brother is an incredible feeling. This is MotoGP—there’s nothing bigger than this. To be here together in this position is indescribable. I can only imagine how happy my parents are, and I also think about how much our grandparents in heaven would be smiling.”
“The strategy today was to push for the first two laps. I expected Pecco to attack in the final laps. I noticed that Alex was behind with a gap, so I decided to manage the race. However, as the race progressed, I realized my tire pressure was below the regulation limit, forcing me to change my strategy.”
“I slowed down and rode behind Alex to increase my tire pressure. However, the front was moving a lot, making control extremely difficult. I’m not sure if my initial tire pressure was too low, but the team is still getting to know me fully.”
“I change my riding style during races. On this track, I can use three different styles while maintaining the same lap times. Adjusting my riding might not have been ideal for increasing pressure, but this experience will be valuable for the future.”
(Photo courtesy of Michelin)