“I watched Marc’s onboard videos from the years before…”
Reset, reload, and get ready to face the undefeated. One rider has never lost a MotoGP™ race at the Sachsenring, and his crew chief even tweeted that the “target was clear.” Now, 987 days later, Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) aims to conquer a track that seems to be in his favor.
However, since his last victory here in 2021, new champions have emerged. In 2023, the two riders ahead of Marquez in the Championship fought to the finish, with only 0.064 seconds separating them. Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) carries momentum from back-to-back doubles, closing the gap to within 10 points of the top. Yet, last year’s Sachsenring winner, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), still holds the lead.
Catch the highlights from the press conferences, including Marquez’s response to his Crew Chief, Frankie Carchedi, aiming high on X. Plus, hear from Repsol Honda team boss Alberto Puig on signing Aleix Espargaro as a test rider for next year, and the return of Remy Gardner, who will sub for the injured Alex Rins at Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™.
JORGE MARTIN (Prima Pramac Racing)
How confident are you heading into this weekend after a double win last year?
“I’m a better rider than last season and the competition is tougher this year. In Assen, I felt I was riding perfectly. It will be a big challenge to compete against Pecco and Marc, who will be strong. But I feel confident, as last season I won both the Sprint and the Sunday race here. I think I can repeat that, so let’s see.”
How do you feel about battling with Marc this weekend?
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. Last season, I watched his onboard videos before the race, which helped me win. But I don’t think he’ll make it easy this season.”
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA (Ducati Lenovo Team)
Can you be as dominant here at the Sachsenring?
“We’ll try for sure. Last year was a great race on Sunday, but Jorge was very defensive in the last laps, making it hard for me to overtake. I wasn’t at 100% due to a crash in Le Mans, but our potential was high. Our bike suits this track well, so we can have a good battle again.”
What are Marc’s chances this weekend?
“He has the potential to fight for victory. He excels on left-handed circuits, so competition will be high. It will be important to understand this quickly, maybe by following him at some point during the weekend.”
MARC MARQUEZ (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)
Is this your best chance to take your first win with Gresini?
“We’ll see. Our predictions are better than last week in Assen. If I can have a perfect weekend, I might fight at the front with these two guys, who are a step ahead, and Pecco is two steps ahead of the others. Being at the Sachsenring will help my chances.”
Do you need your best Sachsenring performance to win?
“Yes, definitely. To have a chance, I need to ride perfectly as I have in the past. Previously, we were competitive at all tracks, and I made the difference here. Now, they are faster everywhere, so let’s see if I have enough speed to compete. It won’t be an easy weekend.”
FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
Can you be in the battle at the front after 15 top 10s in a row?
“We have good momentum and have grown a lot this season. Our goal is to be close to the leaders. In Assen, our speed was good, but there’s still a difference between the 24 and the 23 bikes. If we make another step in the right direction, we can fight for the podium.”
What’s your current situation and future plans?
“I’m in a better situation than last year, thanks to a great job over the winter and this season. I know what I want for next year and am deciding on the best option for my career. I’m looking for a project where I can lead, and I’ll make my decision soon.”
Is it a choice between VR46 or Pramac Yamaha?
“I have a clear plan A, a plan B, and a plan C. This weekend should make everything clearer, but we are going for it.”
ALEX MARQUEZ (Gresini Racing MotoGP™)
How delighted are you with your new two-year contract with Gresini?
“I’m very happy to renew my contract. Gresini saved my career in MotoGP™ two years ago, and I feel comfortable and appreciated in this team. It was clear to me that continuing here was my main goal. We know where we need to be, and with some changes, the results will come.”
Can you consistently battle inside the top six?
“We’ve shown our speed many times, but we need more consistency. Sometimes I struggle with the bike, especially late in the race. With some small adjustments, we can always be competitive.”
FABIO QUARTARARO (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™)
What is the potential of the package this weekend and will you use the new engine?
“Yes, we will use the new engine. This layout isn’t ideal for us due to our current issues, but our goal is to give our best and aim for the best possible result.”
Was Pramac Yamaha a factor in your decision to stay for another two years?
“There were many factors, including having a full factory satellite team to improve our test team and other things throughout the year. This was crucial for us.”
Who would you like to see at Pramac Yamaha?
“This guy to my right (Di Giannantonio). Fabio has been doing a great job for Yamaha over the last 10 months. We need a rider like him to improve our project, and a rookie could be a good idea.”
Do you have a rookie in mind?
“Garcia and Lopez are fast in Moto2™ and could earn a place in a team like Pramac, which is more of an extension of a factory team than a satellite team.”
Official MotoGP Press Release
