Challenging the Dominance: Why Ducati’s MotoGP Reign Isn’t as Untouchable as It Seems

Is Ducati considered unbeatable in the MotoGP scene? At least one racer believes otherwise.

"They are definitely not invincible, nor are they beyond reach."

Ducati has claimed victory in nearly every grand prix race of the 2024 MotoGP season, except for one. However, a rider has expressed skepticism, suggesting that the Italian brand isn't as "invincible as people perceive."

In the 2024 racing season, Ducati riders have claimed victory in 15 out of the 16 grand prix events, maintaining an undefeated streak since the Spanish Grand Prix.

In 2024, Aprilia has been the only team able to prevent Ducati from dominating entirely, as Maverick Vinales secured a victory at the Americas Grand Prix. Apart from three exceptions, Ducati has claimed victory in nearly all sprint races.

Pedro Acosta appeared poised to end Ducati's domination during the previous race in Japan. However, he experienced a crash while leading the sprint and then fell from second place in the main event.

Although he acknowledges that the Italian brand is "ahead of the game" compared to others, he is not convinced that Ducati is as "invincible" as it appears.

Acosta expressed on Thursday, prior to the Australian Grand Prix, that he believes Japan is neither invincible nor as untouchable as people, including themselves, often perceive.

"It's accurate to say that they are performing exceptionally well. They are ahead of the rest."

"However, we haven't made a great deal of progress yet. To achieve this, it's important for us to continue having faith."

"In Mattighofen, impressive efforts are underway to introduce a variety of new innovations."

Adapting a component that functions well on a MotoGP bike is generally challenging. However, in the recent races, we've introduced several new elements, and they have been effective.

To achieve this, it's essential to remain receptive, pay attention to the insights from the factory and testing teams, and attempt to align with their methods.

Looking back on his Japanese Grand Prix, which had its ups and downs, Acosta remarked that KTM should be encouraged by the impressive pace demonstrated by the 20-year-old rider.

He mentioned that Japan felt like a dream, but emphasized the importance of focusing on the positive aspects.

"You can definitely notice the change. This was the weekend when I was at my most competitive throughout the entire season."

"In order to achieve this, it's essential for us to keep a firm grip on it."

"We should evaluate the advancements made in the recent races, and I'm eager to compete on this track, which is typically one of my top picks in the season schedule."

Acosta comments, "This track is entirely different from the one in Japan."

"We're making minor adjustments, as in recent races, several of us have been experimenting with various elements: Jack [Miller] with the aerodynamics, and I with the 'turbo' wings on the swingarm, among other things."

"We are progressing gradually. I believe these steps are reliable, as earlier in the season we were exploring various approaches, but it seems there might be a singular method to effectively handle this KTM bike."

"We are discovering how to speed up."

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