Marc Marquez has explained why he believes MotoGP bikes from the mid-2010s were more enjoyable to ride than the highly sophisticated machines used today.
Aerodynamics has become one of the biggest areas of development in MotoGP, helping manufacturers improve braking stability, corner entry and acceleration.
The seven-time premier-class champion said the MotoGP bikes were the most enjoyable of his career because they rewarded rider input over aerodynamics.
He believes today’s machines force riders to follow the aerodynamic characteristics of the bike, leaving less freedom to push the limits.
“When I was more enjoying the bike was 2014, 2015, 2016, without aerodynamics,” stated Marquez in an interview with Bike World.
“Yes, now it’s true [these bikes] that they are very nice to ride, but it’s like more robot style.
“I mean, you need to follow what the aerodynamics want, and you cannot override the bike. If you override the bike, you are against aerodynamics and then you are even slower.
“On 2014-16 [bikes] with aerodynamics if you were riding a bike you were faster, because you start to slide, you start to lose the front and so many say now not anymore.
“Now the problem is that the downforce we have when you lose the front is that we are pushing the tyres a lot and then you’re just never coming back so [I prefer] those bikes that I were riding for Honda.”
He stressed that his preference has nothing to do with Honda over Ducati, but rather the evolution of MotoGP machinery and the increasing influence of aerodynamics.
“But it’s not because I was enjoying it more with Honda than Ducati. It’s just the style of bike.”
READ MORE – Marc Marquez renews with Ducati through 2028 MotoGP season
Discussion about this post