MotoGP | Ducati in Barcelona to overturn a 2023 GP to forget

The Ducati Lenovo Team returns to Spain this weekend to face the Monster Energy GP of Catalonia, the sixth round of the 2024 MotoGP season.

Hosting the event will be the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya, which last year saw both Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini forced to retire from the race following two separate bad accidents. The reigning World Champion was the victim of a terrible highside which, despite the frightening dynamics, left him with no serious consequences, but only severe bruises. Teammate Bastianini, however, was more unlucky as he suffered a fracture to his left wrist and left ankle after the fall, forcing him to miss the next three events.

Strengthened by a third and fourth place respectively in the last French GP, Bagnaia and Bastianini arrive at Montmeló determined to redeem themselves and once again be among the protagonists fighting for the top positions. After the first five rounds of the season, Pecco is second in the World Championship while Enea occupies fourth position, equal on points with third-placed Marc Márquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP).

Ducati, which has so far achieved four successes at Montmelò, including the first MotoGP victory of the Desmosedici GP with Loris Capirossi in 2003, occupies first position in the manufacturers’ standings. The Ducati Lenovo Team, on the other hand, leads the team classification with 180 points.

“Just as in France, we were also unlucky at Montmeló in 2022 and 2023, but this year I hope it goes differently. The last weekend at Le Mans was overall positive even if we lacked something in the race compared to our rivals It will therefore be important to continue working to be even more competitive. Compared to Le Mans, I expect very different grip conditions here in Barcelona and there will be some very fast opponents, I am confident and ready to give my all as always,” Bagnaia said.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have good memories of Barcelona last year, given the accident I had in the race which then forced me to miss three more GPs. Despite this, I arrive at Montmeló serene and confident: race after race I manage to be faster and I am constantly improving. We have a good base from which to start the weekend’s work and the aim is to continue to fight for the top positions”, added Bastianini.