It was the most hotly-anticipated MotoGP™ debut for over a decade. After 11 seasons aboard a Honda, Marc Marquez swung his leg over a Ducati for the very first time at the Valencia Test in November.

The Spaniard would grab headlines around the world regardless of his lap time, but he ramped up the hype for the upcoming 2024 World Championship by ending the day fourth overall and less than two tenths away from top spot.

The eight-time World Champion was contractually unable to speak publicly at the time but has now opened up for the very first time about his Ducati debut with Spain’s DAZN.

"I was nervous and there were butterflies in my stomach,” started  Marquez in the exclusive interview with MotoGP’s Spanish broadcast partner. “Even though I have been in the championship for many years, it was a big change. 

"But afterward I stayed calm, relaxed. I made the day calm and relaxed by trying to understand everything with my new technical team and with my new motorcycle. In the end, you’re jumping onto the Champion’s bike, so it's in your hands. 

"It was a day of adaptation, mainly to the position on the bike. We changed some things because in some areas I didn’t feel completely comfortable, but the speed was there. I understood the bike and how to manage things. I still have a lot to learn, maybe not to go faster, but to be more consistent and much safer."

The #93 was probed on the differences and similarities with Honda’s RC213V, but we refused to share his thoughts on the topic: "I don't like to compare motorcycles, especially in public. It's a different bike, with a different riding style. You're jumping onto the Champion’s bike and it's in your hands because many riders go fast on it.

"I was able to adapt faster than expected because I immediately felt very good. There was a good feeling and the lap time came without massively looking for it. At the end of the day, we were able to put in new soft tyres and I also felt good.

"There are things to understand at the level of positions and communication with the team. It’s logical because I have been working with the same group for eleven years, but they have received me very well. It is all very pleasant and this helps me be more relaxed."

You can see Marquez reveal his 2024 livery alongside brother Alex on January 20th right here on MotoGP.com, when the Gresini Racing squad officially present their new line-up.