It can be said that Valencia is somewhat of a place in the heart of Pecco Bagnaia, who retains some wonderful memories of it. For two consecutive years, the Ricardo Tormo was the scene of the Piedmontese's consecration, in 2022 his entry among the MotoGP champions and in 2023 his reconfirmation. The Ducati rider arrives at the starting line of the 2024 season as a two-time world champion, he will undoubtedly be the man to beat and will represent the reference for the rest of the grid.
However, in the world championship you can never take anything for granted, the previous two years have accustomed us to surprises (Pecco's recovery of 91 points in mid-season in 2022 and Jorge Martin's frenetic recovery last year) and the campaign which is about to leave promises to be interesting, hard-fought and full of unknowns. Yes, Bagnaia will drive the Desmosedici GP24, but his rivals, first of all the Spaniard from the Pramac team, will take to the track thanks to the experience gained in 2023.
MotoGP also sees another significant variable in 2024: Marc Marquez. Having appeared at ease since the first tests in Valencia, the Catalan seems ready to return to the top, but this time he will do so on the Ducati. The eight-time world champion will in fact wear the colors of the Gresini team and, although he will have a GP23 (the one from last year), he is considered one of the big favorites not only for victories, but also for the title.
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Marc Marquez, Gresini Racing
The competition is fierce, therefore, and Bagnaia will have to be good at managing it. The next season promises to be even more complicated than the last one, where there wasn't a moment to breathe. 22 weekends, 44 races and a balance that makes it almost impossible to predict the winners: these are some of the factors that will influence the progress of the championship.
There is someone who has no doubts about the talent and abilities of the driver from Chivasso. We're talking about Andrea Dovizioso, who has plenty of experience on the track. The Forlì native, who handed over the baton of his Ducati to Bagnaia in 2021, offers his point of view on the scenario that the reigning champion will face. Dovic believes that what lies ahead will be the most complicated season for Pecco, defending the title will be an arduous undertaking.
“I believe that Pecco has a very good chance of winning the title in the season that will start this year in Qatar,” says Dovizioso speaking to Sports Gazettet. “However, I think 2024 will be his toughest year. First of all because he will face his first rivals: riders who have already ridden Ducati in 2023 and will have more experience and will be more competitive. Furthermore, there is the arrival of Marc Marquez, we all expect him to be strong and that he can fight for the top positions constantly”.
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team
Placing the third piece on the tower of champions will not be easy, but Dovizioso is confident in Bagnaia's skills, sometimes underestimated, but rare enough to allow him to shine for two consecutive years. Pecco has found the right balance with the team and the bike. Therefore, even the opponents will have to watch their backs from the reigning champion according to Dovi.
“Obviously, all this will complicate things for Bagnaia, but I would say that so far he has shown that he is mature and ready to face any kind of challenge. Last year he managed to extract the most from what he had, showing himself capable of finding the right solution, sometimes even at the last moment. This ability of his represents a considerable strength, for the way in which he works, for how he has consolidated the relationship with the team. He knows practically everything, for better or for worse, about Ducati,” concludes Dovizioso.
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