But the eight-time world champion insists he's still "not ready" to fight for a first Ducati podium on Sunday.
The former Repsol Honda rider made his best start to a MotoGP season since 2019 despite being shuffled back to seventh during a poor opening lap.
That briefly put Marquez in the wheeltracks of Ducati's reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia and a potential podium finish. On a night when the top Honda of former team-mate Joan Mir was only 15th, Marquez's result also justified his decision to leave HRC a year early. Despite finishing just 1.1s from Espargaro and a podium place, Marquez insists he doesn’t expect to be spraying champagne on Sunday.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Marc Marquez asked if he’d risk overtaking Alex Marquez for a race win?Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez offer glimpse into dynamic as teammates ahead of 2024 MotoGP season
Read more »
Marc Marquez sprint simulation lap times revealedMarc Marquez ‘super far from the top guys' in a time attack, but ‘went faster at the end’ of his Sprint simulation - when both he and brother Alex were under the victory pace at last November's GP weekend Sprint.
Read more »
Marc Marquez’s prediction for Pedro Acosta might scare MotoGP rivalsPedro Acosta's ability assessed by Marc Marquez after Sepang MotoGP test
Read more »
Marc Marquez’s lesson from Fernando Alonso: “He tries to crush his rival…”Marc Marquez on how Fernando Alonso "tried to crush his teammate or rival"
Read more »
Francesco Bagnaia tells Marc Marquez: “I saw you riding Ducati like a Honda”Francesco Bagnaia quizzed Marc Marquez about his adjustment to a Ducati in Sepang
Read more »
Ducati chief teases that Marc Marquez was holding back in SepangDavide Tardozzi believes Marc Marquez's true potential on a Ducati was hidden in Sepang
Read more »