Winter rhymes with unusual records and statistics. Let's talk MotoGP is today interested in Ducati domination, through a figure illustrating a phenomenon that has not happened for 20 years. It's official, we are in the middle of the Desmosedici era, the best Grand Prix machine since at least the end of the 2021 season. But in 2023, the Borgo Panigale firm has reached another milestone.
Without rival
The MotoGP designed by Ducati is just incredible. Last season, only three Grands Prix escaped him; that of the Americas in Austin, won by Alex Rins on Honda, Great Britain and Catalonia, both won by Aleix Espargaro on Aprilia. This represents an 85% win ratio, it's just huge. Concerning the Sprints, again, three escaped him. Argentina and Spain thanks to Brad Binder on KTM, and Catalonia, again thanks to Alex Espargaro.
The common denominator? Valentino Rossi, Bagnaia's mentor and Bezzecchi's employer. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
More generally, the track showed us that we were dealing with a machine without really any faults, which has lost its raw advantage in a straight line, it is true – which made its reputation a few years ago, but which still benefits from unrivaled traction. If we except handling on dirty asphalt, or with little grip (where the Aprilia excels), it is the best in all areas. It's a monster. This is what allowed Ducati to make the first back-to-back (two titles in a row) from Honda with Marc Marquez in 2018-2019. Ducati is on a streak of four consecutive manufacturers' titles, which has not happened since Honda from 2016 to 2019.
Ducati matches Honda in another area
Today's statistics only confirm the visual impression left by the Reds on the track. For the first time since 2003, the same manufacturer monopolizes the podium in the general classification, with Bagnaia, Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. Honda succeeded in the same way 20 years ago, with a Valentino Rossi at his peak, world champion, in front Sete Gibernau et Max Biaggi, all on winged machines.
In a way, the record is more impressive considering the number of riders able to ride the box these days; fifteen in 2023 compared to eight in 2003. Current MotoGP is more competitive than ever. But there are many similarities between Honda's entry in the early 2000s and Ducati as we know the team now.
Ukawa, too often forgotten in this discussion. Here in 2003 for Pons. Photo: Rikita.
First, the three drivers in question were all riding for different formations, and there is only one official machine each time (Valentino Rossi in 2003, Pecco Bagnaia in 2023), for two private ones (Gibernau at Gresini, Biaggi at Pons, Martin at Pramac and Bezzecchi at VR46). This proves the quality of the famous Honda RC211V V5 but also that of the Ducati Desmosedici GP23 and GP22.
Besides, we often hear about the “Ducati eight” but at the time, Honda had seven very efficient machines on the grid. Tohru Ukawa, regret Daijiro Kato (replaced by the poor Ryuichi Kiyonari), Nicky Hayden rookie, and the giant Makoto Tamada at Pramac Honda. It was very strong, and besides, Hayden finished fifth, Ukawa eighth, which gives us five RCVs in the top 10 against six Ducatis in 2023. Eonce again, slight advantage for the Italians.
Have you already noticed these similarities between these two marked eras? Tell me in the comments!
Marco Bezzecchi is the surprise of this top 3, but Johann Zarco could perfectly have played this role in absolute terms. And what about Enea Bastianini if he hadn't been injured. Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Box Repsol
