Ducati’s run of 5 consecutive Le Mans MotoGP wins with 5 completely different riders got here to an finish by the hands of LCR Honda’s dwelling hero Johann Zarco within the rain-interrupted 2025 Grand Prix.
The defeat was only a second in Marc Marquez’s unstoppable onslaught to win a ninth world title, however the Spaniard returns to France this weekend below very completely different circumstances.
Marquez, who failed to attain a Grand Prix podium within the opening 4 races, is barely fifth on this planet championship, 44 factors behind Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi.
Marquez has misplaced factors to Bezzecchi in all 4 races this season, most just lately crashing on the Grand Prix following an upset dash win at Jerez.
The Ducati Lenovo rider bounced again to fourth place behind the Aprilia trio in Monday’s take a look at and now turns his focus to France’s first MotoGP win since 2019.
“Le Mans is a circuit that I like and I used to be already very quick eventually 12 months’s Desmosedici Grand Prix,” mentioned Marquez.
“It will be a weekend with a number of unknowns. Relying on the climate, there could be some surprises for us.
“In any case, we carried out nicely in Jerez. Aside from the crash we have been aggressive and on Monday we took step ahead.”
The present climate forecast requires a threat of thunderstorms on Saturday and lightweight rain on Sunday.
Teammate Pecco Bagnaia, who was unable to finish the Spanish Grand Prix resulting from technical points, additionally noticed progress within the take a look at, significantly when it comes to aerodynamics.
“I am very pleased with the aerodynamics and I believe we have taken a step ahead in cornering so I am pleased with that. Turning the bike higher in quick corners was one thing I used to be lacking lots this 12 months and final 12 months,” Bagnaia mentioned.
“We additionally examined one thing within the electronics to make the bike cease higher. We did not discover a resolution, however we would have discovered a approach. So I actually hope the group focuses on that and see if it helps one thing for Le Mans.”
Looking forward to this weekend, the double MotoGP champion mentioned: “I am completely happy to be going to Le Mans. On paper, it is the form of monitor that may greatest improve the character of the Desmosedici GP.”
“After the take a look at we remained glad and we tried some convincing options that may very well be helpful not solely right here but in addition on different forms of tracks.
“I hope for good climate and can proceed to work onerous to get nearer to being the strongest.”
Regardless of Ducati’s previous successes, Bagnaia has by no means gained Le Mans within the premier class.
The Italian will begin the 2026 occasion in ninth place on the world championships.
