MotoGP
Abundance of goods at Ducati
Who can beat Ducati? © Michelin
Confidence reigns in the Ducati clan after completely controlled and dominated pre-season testing. In Sepang, the reds had seven motorcycles among the top nine and their domination was confirmed in Portimão with seven machines in the Top 8.
Studious off-season for Pecco Bagnaia and Ducati © MotoGP
“I am happy with everything”, simply declared the reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia at the end of his last tests in the Algarve. the Italian gets all the votes when it comes to choosing a favorite but he strives to maintain a wise and good prudence. We must recognize that we did a good job both on a flying lap and on long runs, underlined the Turinese who will be keen to become the first driver to retain his No. 1 in the premier class since Mick Doohan in 1998. After the Tests are one thing, the races are another, let's wait and see. Only one thing is certain, we are ready to fight for victory. »
Duel in sight for the lead at Ducati © Ducati
Because Bagnaia knows that he is not the only rider to have a Ducati GP23 this season. His teammate Enea Bastianini and the Prima Pramac Racing duo composed of Jorge Martín and Johann Zarco intend to offer him healthy but virile competition. Sensation of the 2022 season riding a private Ducati from Team Prima Pramac, Enea Bastianini did not hesitate to oppose Bagnaia on numerous occasions while the latter was playing for the title. An open competition desired by Ducati which should take on a new dimension this season where the two men are associated within the official team. Slightly behind during the tests, Bastianini is not alarmed: “We made some modifications to the bike, which allowed me to feel better and attack, I was very quickly at the limit, he confided. I am satisfied with my race pace, as well as my time. And to think that I only made one! We're not yet at Francesco's level, but it's not so bad. »
Ducati will have to manage the cohabitation of Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini © Michelin
On the private side, Johann Zarco has rectified the situation after his 15e place in Sepang, reaching second place at the end of the Portimao tests. The introduction of Sprint races will give him twice as many opportunities this season to finally achieve that first success in the premier class which has eluded him since his debut in MotoGP. “We have the package for it. You will have to know how to stay calm and stay in control, that will really be the key,” he explained.
Johann Zarco on the hunt © Michelin
His teammate at Prima Pramac Racing, Jorge Martín, has digested the disappointment of seeing the handlebars within the official Ducati team slip under his nose. Pumped up, he is determined to prove what he is capable of on the handlebars of a motorcycle with the latest developments. “It was a really positive Test. Overall, I felt super comfortable. I did not sign a flying lap, because we did not consider it necessary to do so. I’ll save that for in two weeks,” the Madrid native revealed with complete confidence.
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