Why Multiple MotoGP Race Winner Marco Bezzecchi is Struggling on Ducati’s GP23
Marco Bezzecchi, one of MotoGP’s brightest talents, has made a name for himself by consistently performing at the highest level. With multiple race wins and podium finishes under his belt, Bezzecchi has established himself as one of the premier riders in the sport. However, despite his undeniable talent and early success in the 2024 season, Bezzecchi has been facing unexpected difficulties while riding Ducati’s GP23. This article explores the possible reasons behind his struggles, diving into the technical challenges of the GP23, the competitive environment in MotoGP, and Bezzecchi’s own performance adaptations.
The Ducati GP23 is renowned for being one of the fastest and most advanced motorcycles on the MotoGP grid. It is a beast of a machine, built with cutting-edge aerodynamics, enhanced electronics, and a powerful engine that dominates straight-line speed. However, with such a high-performance machine comes complexity, and taming it is no small task, even for a skilled rider like Marco Bezzecchi.
One of the defining features of the GP23 is its enhanced power output. While this makes it a formidable contender on fast circuits, it also places a greater burden on the rider to manage the bike’s power delivery. The GP23’s engine, while extremely powerful, is more difficult to control in slower, technical sections of the track. Bezzecchi has often mentioned that the power delivery can be unpredictable, requiring him to adjust his riding style continuously.
The higher demands of this machine can exacerbate small mistakes, as the bike’s aggressive acceleration and braking are less forgiving than some of its predecessors. This has led to situations where Bezzecchi, while pushing the limits of the GP23, has struggled to maintain consistency in the more intricate sectors of circuits.
The GP23 boasts cutting-edge aerodynamics, with wings and downforce elements designed to improve stability, particularly in high-speed corners. While this works to the benefit of many Ducati riders, some, including Bezzecchi, have faced difficulties finding the right balance between straight-line speed and agility in tight corners.
Bezzecchi has voiced concerns over how the GP23 feels in mid-corner transitions, particularly when trying to hold a line through slower corners. The aerodynamic features that provide stability can sometimes make the bike feel cumbersome in situations where nimbleness is crucial. As a result, he has struggled in races where agility through technical corners plays a significant role, causing him to lose precious time and position.
Another factor in Bezzecchi’s struggle with the GP23 could be the evolving characteristics of the Michelin tyres used in MotoGP. The GP23’s aggressive nature may not always match well with certain tyre compounds, which are critical for providing the grip needed for confident cornering and acceleration.
One recurring issue for Bezzecchi has been rear tyre wear during longer races. The immense power of the Ducati GP23 places additional stress on the rear tyre, especially when exiting corners. Bezzecchi has struggled to manage tyre degradation in certain races, leading to a drop-off in performance as the race progresses.
The balancing act between extracting maximum performance from the tyres while preserving them for the latter stages of the race is one that Bezzecchi has found particularly challenging in 2024. In several races, his pace has faltered during the final laps, costing him valuable positions and points.
Setting up the bike to extract the best performance from the tyres is a delicate and ever-changing task. Bezzecchi has had trouble finding the right setup to match the characteristics of both the GP23 and the specific tyre compounds offered for each race. His struggles with tyre setup have sometimes led to understeer or oversteer, particularly in low-grip conditions or on circuits with abrasive surfaces. As a result, his overall pace has been inconsistent, even in races where the Ducati GP23’s raw power could give him an advantage.
MotoGP is more competitive than ever in 2024, with a field full of elite riders and powerful machines. Ducati’s domination in recent years has only heightened the internal competition within the brand. Riders such as Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martín have been consistently performing at a high level, putting additional pressure on Bezzecchi to match their results.
Ducati’s factory team riders, particularly reigning champion Bagnaia, have enjoyed smoother transitions to the GP23, while Jorge Martín from Pramac Racing has also consistently challenged for wins. Bezzecchi, riding for the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, may feel the pressure to outperform his fellow Ducati riders, but this has also exposed the margins within Ducati’s ranks. His struggle to consistently keep pace with these rivals may be a product of the minute differences in setup preferences or riding styles.
The fierce internal competition at Ducati means that Bezzecchi is compared not just to the broader field of MotoGP but also to his Ducati teammates, some of whom have had more success in adapting to the GP23.
Bezzecchi’s early success in MotoGP raised expectations for him to be a consistent front-runner. However, with those expectations comes mental pressure, and MotoGP is a sport where the smallest lapses in concentration can be the difference between winning and finishing outside the top ten. The heightened competition, along with the pressure to live up to his early potential, may be weighing on Bezzecchi, affecting his race-day performances.
Bezzecchi’s natural riding style has been one of his strongest assets throughout his career. His aggressive corner entries and late braking have often allowed him to make bold moves and gain time on his rivals. However, with the GP23, adapting his style has been a key challenge.
The GP23’s more powerful brakes and increased downforce mean that the bike handles differently when entering corners. Bezzecchi has found that his typical late-braking approach has been less effective on the GP23, leading to issues with braking stability. In several races, he has struggled with rear-wheel lock-ups or overshooting corners, which have hindered his ability to fight for podiums consistently.
The GP23 demands both aggression and patience from the rider. It rewards those who can push its limits but also punishes those who overextend. Bezzecchi has had to learn the fine line between pushing the GP23 to its maximum and understanding when to rein it in. This balancing act has proven difficult, especially in races where he has felt the need to catch up to faster riders or defend from those behind him.
Marco Bezzecchi’s struggles on Ducati’s GP23 are the result of a complex combination of factors, including the technical challenges of the bike itself, the evolving characteristics of MotoGP tyres, and the intense competition within both the broader MotoGP field and the Ducati ranks. While Bezzecchi’s talent is undeniable, the GP23 requires an adjustment in riding style and setup approach that he is still working to perfect.
As the season progresses, Bezzecchi and his team will continue to refine the bike’s setup and adapt his riding style to better suit the GP23’s characteristics. With his resilience and determination, it’s only a matter of time before Bezzecchi overcomes these challenges and returns to the front of the grid. However, in the ultra-competitive world of MotoGP, even the smallest struggles can make a significant difference, and Bezzecchi’s path to success on the GP23 will be anything but straightforward.
