Marc Marquez finishes second fastest in post-season testing in Valencia to get life at Gresini off to a flyer

Marc Marquez has made a stunning start to life at Gresini Ducati after impressing in his first appearance with the team at post-season testing at Valencia on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old was all smiles before testing and excelled in the morning session by recording the second quickest time behind Maverick Vinales. You can watch the afternoon session live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

It was the first time in his illustrious MotoGP career that he hadn't started the post-season with Honda after both parties agreed to terminate his contract at the end of the 2023 season.

Marquez has dominated on the track over the past decade with Repsol Honda, winning six MotoGP titles and 59 Grands Prix with the team.

However, the eight-time world champion suffered a frustrating 2023 campaign where he has struggled with injury, only managed a total of five races and experienced issues with his RC213V bike.

He also only managed a single podium finish - which came at the season curtain-raiser in Australia - with a lack of competitive machinery a factor in his move away.

A long-awaited 60th premier-class win will be a target for Marquez if he doesn’t reach the number in his remaining contractual appearances with Honda, of which he has six races left before his impending switch to Gresini.

He will join younger brother Alex at Gresini and he'll also be chasing a piece of history in the modern MotoGP era, where he could become the first rider to win a World Championship with an independent team.

Marquez became the youngest MotoGP champion of all time when he won the title in his first year of premier racing and dominated the track with four consecutive title victories from 2016 to 2019.

Meanwhile, Pedro Acosta also got his first taste of life as a MotoGP driver during testing and put on a decent showing and ended the morning session in 17th position.

The Spaniard will enter the MotoGP 2024 campaign for the first time after winning the Moto2 last season.

The 2024 season is set to be memorable with reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia looking to win successive titles after his epic final day victory at the Valencia Grand Prix last week.

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