It all starts with a single word and a place, Portimao, where a clear favorite rises to the top. The spotlight centers on Pecco Bagnaia, the Italian champion who is widely seen as the main benchmark. While others may be debated, Bagnaia stands as the obvious frontrunner in this tale. Rumors and speculation swirl about Fabio Quartararo on a Yamaha turning the corner on speed, while Aprilia looks for momentum gained in the final sprint of 2022 to close the gap. Alex Espargaró adds his commentary, and discussions about Marc Márquez turn to a more complete build and an “all-new” bike that could address missing pieces from his Honda. Throughout the season, the Desmosedici GP23 keeps drawing attention as Bagnaia elevates his game, aiming to convert potential into pure performance as the year unfolds.
“On the track, when the pace rocks and the lead is contested, a Ducati in pursuit signals a different pace entirely. Five corners pass, another Ducati comes through, and by the end of the lap, that same Ducati is still in the hunt”, observes Aleix Espargaró of Aprilia. The question remains: is Ducati truly superior in every regard? Márquez himself admits that Ducati offers the most complete package, with a highly efficient aerodynamic setup that strengthens the overall balance of the bike.
Decisive aerodynamics
“To achieve a truly formidable engine, substantial investment is required”, notes Carlo Pernat, Valentino Rossi’s longtime insider and paddock veteran. He adds that investing heavily in aerodynamics yields brutal, quick advances that surprise competitors and sharpen a rider’s edge. This is part of Ducati’s distinct approach, one that has long shaped its competitive edge in the sport. The bike’s development is cited as something not easily replicated.
Bagnaia confirms the positive shift: from the first moment he rode the bike at Sepang, its potential stood out. He acknowledges a small dip in top speed but emphasizes the bike’s ease of riding and cornering grip. Reflecting on last year’s preseason missteps, Bagnaia explains that the new machine fits his style from the outset. The message is clear: Ducati starts as the favorite, but a season must prove its supremacy on track.
“One thing is certain: every rider on a Ducati is fast, which makes the bike an embodiment of speed,” comments Luca Marini, brother of Valentino Rossi. The family sentiment echoes the broader assessment, with riders and technicians bringing diverse experiences from 2021, 2022, and 2023 models. The result is a bike that many deem exceptional across varied riding styles and setups, underscoring Ducati’s strong position.
There are voices that point to a technical team led by Gigi Dal’Igna, known for a sharp eye for subtleties and clever interpretations of regulation. The Japanese influence in the paddock is acknowledged too, though the focus remains on practical performance. Alberto Puig, head of the Repsol Honda team, notes a shift toward greater aggression, bravery, and risk-taking alongside a bike that better fits the rider’s expectations.
Rookie Raul Fernández of Aprilia weighs in with a practical assessment: Ducati works with multiple teams, bikes, and engineers, accumulating a vast amount of data on how the motorcycles behave in every corner. Even after training ends, the team compiles a comprehensive summary of discoveries, enabling a clear plan for the next day’s running. In this environment, Saturday night becomes a crucial moment for final alignment and refinement, driven by thousands of data points that shape the machine’s evolution.
wearing number 1
Alex Márquez reflects on the season with mixed feelings and a touch of humor. He notes that the opportunity to move from Honda to a leading Ducati team is a big change, and if the results align with expectations, the coveted number 1 could again be earned. The Ducati Bagnaia rides is described as a different machine entirely: easy to handle, reliable, and capable of delivering consistent performance. The contrast with the past (a Honda that could be perplexing at times) highlights a shift toward greater control, power, and predictability in the Ducati.
Bagnaia’s decision to pursue this path is framed as a turning point, a choice that places him in the spotlight for the current season. The sentiment echoes Casey Stoner’s 2012 era with Ducati, as Bagnaia contends that the title deserves to be contested on the track. The broader motorsport community observes that only a few greats, like Valentino Rossi and Marc Márquez, have previously achieved a similar feat with a consistent season-long push. The dialogue around the bike’s capabilities and Bagnaia’s leadership continues as the campaign unfolds, with excitement about what these efforts might yield on race weekend. (Attribution: MotoGP media and team briefings)