MotoGP is preparing to start a new season, but some riders are facing significant challenges. After the recent tests at Sepang, some names find themselves at the center of attention for various reasons. Here is an overview of the drivers who are experiencing difficulties at the start of the year.
Un Franco Morbidelli already injured and recovering, a Maverick Vinales in need of sensations on his new Aprilia RS-GP which his teammate nevertheless accepts Aleix Espargaró, Marco Bezzecchi hit on his Ducati GP23 with the same syndrome impacting the Top Gun, without forgetting Augusto Fernandez failed Sepang tests and its namesake Raul which fell from the start Malaysia, here are the five names who are already having trouble this year, just before trying to get their cherry on again next week at Qatar …Let’s review them.
Let's start with Franco Morbidelli who is already recovering from an accident. After leaving the factory team Yamaha to join the Pramac Racing team with a Ducati, Morbidelli suffered an accident during practice before testing at Sepang. Although he did not suffer serious injuries, he had to be put on bed rest by the doctors, thus missing not only the tests passed at Sepang but also to come to Qatar. This puts him in a difficult position as he prepares to start the season without adequate preparation.
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Maverick Vinales is known for its impressive performance during winter testing, but this time it encountered difficulties with the Aprilia 2024, particularly in terms of feel when entering corners. Although he showed positive signs during the long runs, his performance in qualifying fell short of his expectations. He will need to work hard to get back to his usual form before the start of the season.
Moving from the GP22 to the Ducati GP23, Marco Bezzecchi had difficulty adapting to his new machine. Completing the tests at Sepang in 17th position he was revealed to be the driver Ducati the slowest on the board. With his distinguished colleagues Di Giannantonio and the brothers Marquez achieving better performance, Bezzecchi must quickly find their feet to avoid falling behind at the start of the season.
Despite his Moto2 world champion title in 2022, Augusto Fernandez had difficulty competing with colleagues KTM during testing at Sepang. Finishing behind Michele Pirro, development pilot Ducati, it is far from the expected level. Under pressure to obtain results, the Tech3 pilot will have to find solutions quickly to justify his place within the GasGas team.
Let's end with Raul fernandez. The pilot of TrackHouse had a difficult start to the year in MotoGP after a crash during the first hours of testing at Sepang. Although he attempted to continue testing despite hip pain, he ultimately had to give up. Expected to return during testing at Qatar, Fernandez will have to deal with an older motorcycle until it is equipped with theAprilia current mid-season.
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