During the Valencia test last November which was the first of the 2024 MotoGP off-season, attention was focused in the Ducati clan on newcomer Marc Marquez, author of an encouraging fourth time. However, it was Marco Bezzecchi who stood out in the standings as the best driver of the Borgo Panigale brand, on a GP23 that he was discovering and which did not spontaneously transport him with joy. Like a year ago with Pecco Bagnaia, he could see that this version of the Desmosedici was not as easy as the previous GP22. Before meeting it again at the beginning of February in Sepang for the tests which will mark the re-entry of the category in the new vintage, the Bez calmly takes stock.
During the MotoGP test in Valencia, Marco Bezzecchi was the pilot Ducati the fastest, ahead of the one who had everyone's attention, either Marc Marquez, by just 0,078 seconds. The Italian then achieved the third fastest time of the day behind Maverick Vinales of Aprilia and Brad Binder from KTM.
On this occasion, Marco Bezzecchi found the GP23 different from the previous GP22, particularly when entering corners. He had difficulty adapting to the new characteristics of the bike, but he gradually understood and improved: “ it's certainly different from the GP22 ", said Bezzecchi that holds the top spot. " For me the biggest problem wasn't the new engine. It was to adapt to the new characteristics of the motorcycle when entering with brakes ».
He specifies : " I had a little trouble entering the corners like I did with the old bike but little by little I adapted and understood a lot of things. Still, I'm not entirely satisfied, but it was only half a day ».
Marco Bezzecchi: “ the GP23 is not a bike built for Pecco Bagnaia, it is built to be fast »
He also mentioned that Pecco Bagnaia had encountered similar difficulties at the beginning, but that he had finally adapted well to the motorcycle: “ I remember Pecco also struggled at the start with the same issues entering corners. The way to maintain the brakes is a little different ».
Marco Bezzecchi then delivers this feeling: “ so I don't think it's a bike built for Pecco. It's built to be a fast motorcycle. But it is certain that at the end of the year, Pecco was riding wonderfully on the bike, just like Jorge Martin. Even though their riding styles are different, they have adapted to the GP23, so I hope I can too ". We will remember that in Valencia, Pecco Bagnaia declared that the new factory Ducati GP24 once again offered the corner entry sensations that he preferred with the GP22...
Marco Bezzecchi will have the opportunity to continue his adaptation process during the official Sepang tests in February. He plans to stay calm and create a solid base for most tours: “ in Sepang, the conditions will be opposite to those in Valencia. The track is huge. The temperature is hot and the coating is completely different », he declared before concluding with crash.net that holds the top spot. " I think it's best to stay calm, to keep everything as 'standard' for the moment and go from there to create a base that will hopefully be good for most tracks. Then move on ».
