Ducati hopes to forget its last Catalan campaign

The last edition of the Catalan Grand Prix was a disaster for the official Ducati team, whose two riders retired in the first turns due to injuries, after being involved in various incidents.

On the one hand, Enea Bastianini (on the left of the image above), attempted an overly optimistic first braking, and really made a strike in the peloton, which took away five of her competitors. Unlucky in this incident, the Italian suffered fractures to his left wrist and left ankle, which forced him to withdraw from the next three races.

The reigning world champion, Francesco Bagnaia, for his part survived the first corner, but was the victim of a violent highside in the following curve. Having fallen in the middle of the track, he was then run over on the leg by Brad Binder. The red flag was naturally waved, and No. 1 was transported to the medical center. However, he was able to participate in the next meeting in San Marino.

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Francesco Bagnaia / Pecco Bagnaia, Catalunya MotoGP crash in slow motion.#MotoGP #bagnaia #pecco63 #bagnaia #CatalanGP #CatalunyaGP #Catalonia #BradBinder #Binder #KTM #Aprilia # Barcelona #crash #accident #viral #viralvideo #champion pic.twitter.com/bYy1SPlfmO

— Kpax (@ClauKpax) September 3, 2023

Once the context is set, it goes without saying that the primary objective of the Ducati men this weekend will be to make people forget the last chaotic Catalan Grand Prix that they experienced.

“Just like in France, we had bad luck in Montmeló in 2022 and 2023, recalls Bagnaia on the sidelines of the weekend. This year I hope it will be different. The last meeting at Le Mans was generally positive, even we lacked something in the race compared to our rivals.

It will therefore be important to continue working to be even more competitive, He continues. Compared to Le Mans, I expect very different grip conditions here in Barcelona, ​​and there will be some very fast competitors. In any case, I am confident and ready to give my best as always. »

Even less enthusiastic than his garage neighbor at the idea of ​​talking about the last race in Barcelona, ​​Enea Bastianini hopes to redeem himself with a big result.

“Unfortunately I don't have good memories of Barcelona last year, considering the accident I had in the race which forced me to miss three more GPs, adds #23. Despite this, I arrive in Montmeló calm and confident: race after race, I manage to be faster, and I am constantly improving. We have a good base to work from, and the goal is to continue fighting for the top positions. »

It remains to be seen whether the Reds will be able to fight off bad luck this weekend. Note that Ducati has already won four victories at Montmeló in MotoGP in the past, including the first by Loris Capirossi in 2003.

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