Six-time world champion Marquez will ride a Gresini-run Ducati from 2023 this year, having left Honda after 11 years with the Japanese manufacturer.
Marquez was one of the biggest attractions during the first pre-season test at Sepang, where he finished with the sixth quickest time of the three days of running.
The Spaniard was hindered by some technical issues that cost him track time, and he admitted he was still riding the Ducati the same way he rode his Honda, claiming he was not as quick as Martin or Ducati's reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia.
Last year's runner-up Martin reckons, however, that Marquez could be in the fight to win the season opener.
Asked if Marquez was faster or slower than expected during the test, Martin said: "He's where I expected, so he will be really close and ready maybe for the victory in Qatar."
Pramac rider Martin lost out to Bagnaia for the 2023 title after an intense battle towards the end of the season in which the Spaniard stayed in contention until the final round.
Martin appeared to keep his momentum going as the Sepang test concluded, finishing second quickest overall, just 0.172s behind Bagnaia.
Source: Autosport