Ducati’s Dominance in MotoGP Faces Test with Upcoming Rule Changes and Team Shakeup

Forecasted challenge for Ducati with a significant issue highlighted

Identified issue set to challenge Ducati's determination

It is anticipated that Ducati will encounter significant challenges once the updated MotoGP regulations are implemented.

The Italian producer has maintained a significant lead throughout 2023, concluding a 15-year hiatus from the top-tier championship that stretched back to the era of Casey Stoner.

This season, either Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, or Marc Marquez is set to keep Ducati in the spotlight as contenders for the championship title.

Their eventual fall has been forecasted.

TNT Sports' Neil Hodgson raised the question: "If one were to plot this on a graph, have we reached the peak? The optimal point? Or will it begin to decline?

"Consider the supremacy once held by Honda; it's now transformed. I believe Ducati is poised to reach its zenith next year."

"The team from the factory might secure victories in all the races. Should Ducati enhance their motorcycle…"

In 2025, Marquez is set to team up with Bagnaia, forming a formidable pair for the factory team.

Yet, their presence on the grid will shrink from eight bikes to six as the Pramac satellite team departs to align with Yamaha.

Hodgson went on to say, "The remarkable thing about Ducati's approach is that they invested years in laying down the groundwork for an exceptional motorcycle. Their foundations are incredibly strong, and they've meticulously refined and adjusted it over time."

"Other producers have not yet identified their base model motorcycle."

"The question revolves around the adjustment in regulations set for 2027. Should you persist in investing £50 million annually, or should the attention shift towards adapting to the changes in 2027?"

Michael Laverty praised Ducati for overcoming the dry period following Stoner's championship win in 2007, a time that saw unsuccessful stints from both Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo.

"Laverty pointed out, 'Consider the decade they've wasted away.'"

Ducati not only gathered information but also cultivated expertise and honed their engineering skills internally. Instead of outsourcing knowledge, they invested in educating their engineers, involving them directly with their teams, and enhancing their practical experience on-site.

Their teams are dispersed across various racing disciplines including Superbike, World Endurance, Supersport, and MotoGP.

Currently, with the expansion to four teams and a total of eight riders, they've managed to enhance their setup significantly. Initially, their bikes had immense power but struggled with maneuverability. However, by diving into aerodynamics, they've pioneered several advancements.

"Their approach revolutionized the sport. Reflecting on when they brought Gigi Dall’Igna on board, it's clear they centered the team's development around his vision."

"They achieved it on their own terms and now they're in the spotlight. Ducati has truly earned this moment, becoming the standard others strive to reach. It's a remarkable accomplishment of engineering brilliance."

Why wasn't KTM able to compete with Ducati?

The recent wildcard entry of Pol Espargaro in Misano served as a wake-up call to KTM, highlighting the extensive progress they need to make in order to consistently rival Ducati.

"Laverty noted, 'This reveals KTM's current position.'"

"They should make the most of someone like Pol whenever possible.

From the latest race, it became clear that Pol has retained his pace and competitive drive. There were moments when he outperformed all other KTMs, despite being on a newly introduced motorcycle.

The aerodynamics appeared altered. KTM must identify an improvement. The expectation was for them to narrow the gap with Ducati this year, yet in terms of sheer lap speed, they've actually fallen further behind.

"When examining the total race durations in comparison to this year, KTM finds themselves significantly behind the victors."

Pedro Acosta's performance at the start of the season has faded.

In 2024, Acosta will join Brad Binder as part of KTM's official racing team.

The newly named Tech3 KTM squad will receive factory backing, featuring Enea Bastianini and Maverick Vinales as their riders.

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