The eight-time grand prix world champion will embark on his first season on Ducati machinery this year having spent 11 seasons with Honda.
Ending pre-season testing in competitive form, Marquez said last month that he was looking for the final three tenths of lap time to get on terms with the leading riders.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, Marquez says he is feeling good on the 2023-spec Ducati after a “completely different” pre-season, but doesn’t believe he will factor in the podium fight.
“Of course, was a completely different pre-season because I was used riding, just trying things for the bike and developing a bike,” Marquez said.
“But this winter was the complete opposite. I was focused on myself, trying to adapt my riding style to the new bike and from the beginning I feel not bad.
“Still, there are many things to learn and many things to improve, especially learning from the top guys inside Ducati.
“At the moment I feel comfortable, not ready to fight for the podium, not ready to fight for the victory, but step by step we need to create the base and try to understand during the race weekends where we are.”
Source: Autosport