When Ducati accepted Marc Márquez, they separated the 2023 and 2024 bikes ….. see More

In 2023, Ducati made a significant move by aligning its plans for both the 2023 and 2024 MotoGP seasons, which included changes to their factory and satellite bike line-ups. The introduction of Marc Márquez to Ducati’s fold caused a shift in their strategic focus.

Separation of 2023 and 2024 Bikes:

Ducati’s decision to offer Márquez a potential seat led to the company drawing a clear distinction between the two season’s bikes. This separation allowed them to better understand the unique challenges and development paths required for each year.

1. 2023 Ducati MotoGP Bike: The 2023 bike was primarily centered around their existing squad, with Francesco Bagnaia defending his World Championship title. Ducati refined its already successful Desmosedici V4, enhancing the aerodynamics, power delivery, and braking performance. The 2023 bike was designed to be aggressive yet balanced, providing a powerful package for riders like Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini.
2. 2024 Ducati MotoGP Bike: With the potential inclusion of Marc Márquez, Ducati began preparing a specific model for the following season. They tailored a version of the Desmosedici to suit Márquez’s riding style, which differs significantly from their current riders. While Bagnaia’s feedback focused on consistency and performance, Márquez, known for his aggressive style and penchant for pushing the bike to its limits, would need a slightly altered setup for greater maneuverability and control at the edge of performance.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Chassis Adjustments: Ducati recognized that Márquez’s preference for a more agile and responsive chassis required modifications to suit his unique riding style.
• Electronics and Power Delivery: Márquez’s style demands precise throttle control and stability at high speeds, so Ducati worked on fine-tuning the electronics and power delivery system for 2024.
• Aerodynamics: The 2024 bike would see changes in aerodynamic design to accommodate Márquez’s high-speed demands, potentially improving downforce while maintaining the aggressive power characteristics.

In summary, while Ducati remained committed to refining their 2023 bike for consistency and championship performance, they set their sights on creating a specialized 2024 machine that could unlock the full potential of a rider like Márquez. This strategy not only aimed to leverage his strengths but also to ensure that Ducati stayed ahead in the competitive MotoGP field.