Marini: Sachsenring already small with Moto2, MotoGP 'fascinating'

Luca Marini is expecting a 'fascinating' weekend at the Sachsenring, as the MotoGP rookie takes on the shortest and slowest circuit on the calendar with his Ducati Desmosedici.

The Italian arrives for round eight having matched his best MotoGP finish of twelfth last time in Catalunya, when he was just over 2.5s from team-mate and top rookie Enea Bastianini.

Marini then turned the tables by being the quickest newcomer at the post race test, in 13th place compared to 17th for Bastianini.

"Sachsenring is a very special track, but with MotoGP it will be even more fascinating," said Marini, whose first grand prix podium came at the German venue in 2018.

"The track was already small with the Moto2, now I'm curious to understand the effect on the Ducati. It will be a tough weekend and I think with very small gaps.

"The track is a few kilometres long, a few tenths will separate us and this year the category is of the highest level with a gap often below one-second between the first and the 20th. It will be fascinating for that too!

"So let's start again from what was positive at the Barcelona test."

Avintia team manager Ruben Xaus said front tyre feeling will be crucial this weekend.

"Sachsenring is really a particular track: a very short track, with many laps. The front is really under pressure and the right set-up is crucial," Xaus said.

"It will therefore be important for Luca to have a good feeling on the front to better manage the tyre drop.

"There will be a lot to learn, a very physical race, a stop and go circuit where the bike often tends to wheelie. Bike control is the key."

Bastianini currently leads the rookie of the year standings with 26 points (13th in the world championship) followed by injured Pramac Ducati rider Jorge Martin on 19 points (17th), Marini on 13 points (21st) and Aprilia's Lorenzo Savadori on 4th (23rd).