The technical regulations MotoGP rather strongly freezing the evolution of motorcycles, we could hardly expect technical novelties during the French Grand Prix on the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans, but it was nevertheless an opportunity to notice some interesting elements...
1/ GP23 Marc Marquez vs GP24:
Second in the Sprint and Grand Prix, Marc Marquez has a Ducati GP23 in the Gresini Racing team. His brilliant results and some comments in the press could lead one to wonder if the Spanish champion has not benefited from some updates since the start of the year, but no, his bikes are indeed GP23s, and even from the beginning from last year, as can be recognized by several visual elements.
For the spectators that we are, aerodynamics is the first area that allows us to date a motorcycle, and the Desmosedici of Marc Marquez It clearly presents the characteristics of early 2023 with first generation Downwash Ducts, just like the front wheel flanges, and without the 2024 fairing and its mysterious side panels.
The interior of the Gresini team's Downwash Ducts and its massive internal fins being painted black (like those of the 2024), we can better see the difference with the 2024 elements on the VR46 team's motorcycles...
Downwash duct 2024 with less massive leading edge and with a very recessed internal fin…
Another element which differentiates the generations of Ducati, the new start assistance system which appeared during the 2023 season, very different from the element consisting of three valves and springs…
Marc Marquez does not benefit from it.
2/ Aleix Espargaro vs Maverick Vinales
Tour is summarized in these two photos; Maverick Vinales is not using the 2024 seat backrest with the diffuser. For what ? We have no idea…
We were nevertheless able to detail the two ducts which take air in front of the radiator to bring it out on the upper part of the fairing, in order to promote aerodynamics for the riders, a subject to which Aprilia pays great attention (including with its patents). So we didn't write too much nonsense last year... 🙂
To be continued with Yamaha, Honda and KTM...
