English
Italiano
The Tuesday of the Valencia tests left a smile on the faces of team Gresini. There was in fact a lot of curiosity on the part of the Italian team to see Marc Marquez in action with the Ducati for the first time. And it was a certainly encouraging debut for the # 93, which he finished in fourth position just 171 thousandths from the benchmark set by Maverick Vinales.
Summing up the situation in the Gresini team was Michele Masini. Although he couldn't say much about Marc's performance, he still spoke to the journalists present on site.
“After a season like this we are tired, but after today we can't wait to start 2024 – said the team manager – I can't say much about Marc's performance, but I think the clock can speak for him. Personally I am happy and the atmosphere is certainly great within the team."
Masini's attention then shifted to what was done today inside the garage.
“Today we did a great job and focused on making calibrated laps. With Marc and Alex we did a different job, but we are thrilled to end a wonderful year like this. Obviously we have a tough 2024 ahead of us, but this is certainly a brilliant start."
Masini was then asked: what expectations do you have for next year? Win? The title?
“I would be false if I thought otherwise.”
The foundations for a great 2024 have certainly been laid in Gresini.
“When we made the decision to focus on Marc, I was convinced that we would build a great team. As I said, I believe today was a brilliant start to this new chapter. Now we will recharge our batteries and then prepare ourselves as best we can for the presentation and tests in Sepang in February."
Speaking of expectations, Masini was then asked who he would bet on.
“It's not the time to bet yet, if I really have to I'll bet on the Gresini team”.
A busy season therefore comes to an end in Valencia, but 2024 already seems to be upon us.
“I didn't sleep well last night thinking about next year's calendar. We arrive at this season finale after two very tough months. As I already said, I think the priority is to remain calm but happy with the aim of approaching next season in the best possible way. I mean, it will be."
Gresini will have a GP23 in the garage.
“We have to make the most of what we have by aiming to be at the front. When we chose Ducati, we did so because we wanted to have the best possible bike at our disposal, a World Championship bike."
It's a shame that in view of 2024, the regulations will put a spoke in the wheels of the Rossa.
"The Ducati engineers deserve a gold medal for what they have done, but I am convinced that they will do even more to make the bike even more competitive."
