Coming into the 2024 season, Bezzecchi was initially seen as a potential title contender after finishing third in the standings the previous year. However, the transition to the 2023-spec Ducati, which had won the championship last year, has proven to be quite challenging for the Italian rider. During the Qatar Grand Prix, Bezzecchi qualified in 15th place and finished the race in 14th place, highlighting the difficulties he is facing with the bike.
One of the main issues plaguing Bezzecchi is his lack of feeling on the front end of the Ducati GP23. This problem is similar to what the factory rider Enea Bastianini experienced when he first rode the GP23 last year. Bezzecchi’s inability to charge into corners and effectively turn the bike has led to him overworking the rear tire by trying to manipulate the bike using the throttle.
Bezzecchi revealed that during the Qatar Grand Prix, he began to lose sensation when braking and entering corners, causing him to alter his riding style. He found himself opening the throttle earlier due to the lack of entry speed, resulting in excessive wear on the rear tire. Despite trying to manage the situation by adjusting the engine map settings, Bezzecchi continued to struggle throughout the race.
Reflecting on his performance in Qatar, Bezzecchi acknowledged the challenges he faced but remained determined to overcome them. He expressed his frustration with the current situation but also found motivation in the difficulties he was encountering. Looking ahead to the next race in Portimao, Bezzecchi is hopeful that he and his team will find a better setup from the start of the weekend to deliver improved results on Saturday and Sunday.
Despite his struggles, Bezzecchi recognizes the importance of studying data from his teammates who are also riding the GP23. While focusing on the fastest riders, Bezzecchi understands that his direct competitors within the team, such as Fabio Di Giannantonio, Alex Marquez, and Marc Marquez, have been able to adapt better to the bike and achieve faster lap times. By analyzing their data and learning from their techniques, Bezzecchi hopes to make progress in his own performance.
Overall, Bezzecchi’s challenges with the Ducati GP23 are significant, but he remains determined to overcome them through hard work and perseverance. As he continues to fine-tune his riding style and setup, Bezzecchi aims to improve his performance and competitiveness in the upcoming races. With a positive mindset and a willingness to learn from his teammates, Bezzecchi is focused on making progress and reaching his full potential in the MotoGP championship.
Leave a Reply