Ducati Faces Emerging Threat from Aprilia at Argentina MotoGP

Ducati must be wary of Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi at the Argentina MotoGP, particularly after Aprilia’s previous successes. Yamaha and Honda’s performances in Thailand raise questions as they head into this crucial round. The first day’s conditions will be pivotal for all participating teams.

Ducati has been alerted to a significant threat at the upcoming Argentina MotoGP, particularly from Aprilia. Following a strong performance at the season-opening Thailand Grand Prix, where Ducati riders like Francesco Bagnaia performed well, the focus now shifts to Aprilia’s potential. Marco Bezzecchi, who won the 2023 Argentina MotoGP on a VR46 Ducati, is anticipated to be a critical competitor this time around. Rookie Ai Ogura also demonstrated promise in Thailand, despite Aprilia’s star Jorge Martin currently sidelined due to injury.

Commentator Lewis Duncan shared insights on the Crash MotoGP podcast, stating, “The Aprilia generally, in these conditions, works well. It has a strong front end, it’s a good agile bike.” He emphasized the need for Bezzecchi to refine his qualifying skills, noting that he performed well despite being unfamiliar with the bike’s limits. Key to success in Argentina will be the team’s performance on the first day, as good track conditions will significantly impact qualifying outcomes.

Concerns regarding Yamaha and Honda still linger following a disappointing showing in Thailand. Although Yamaha displayed potential in pre-season tests, translating that into competitive performance remains unproven. Duncan noted, “We haven’t seen the true form of Yamaha yet. Thailand was disappointing,” indicating that the upcoming Argentina race could provide clarity on their capabilities.

Honda, which struggled last season, managed a seventh-place finish through Johann Zarco in Thailand. Duncan remarked on Honda’s competitiveness, saying, “They don’t have traction or top speed but they were fine, they were competitive by their standards.” The upcoming races in Austin and Spain, which historically suit Honda, will further illuminate the performance of the Japanese manufacturers in the series.

In summary, Ducati faces a formidable challenge from Aprilia, particularly from Marco Bezzecchi, as they head into the Argentina MotoGP. The initial track conditions on Friday will be crucial for all teams, especially for Yamaha and Honda as they strive for improvement. The upcoming race will provide essential insights into the competitive landscape of the MotoGP season.

Original Source: www.crash.net