MotoGP, all riders bet on Bagnaia and Ducati: “They’re number one”
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PORTIMAO — Predictions between the protagonists of the MotoGP they leave an aftertaste of a Bulgarian plebiscite. Francis Bagnaia, world champion, is something more than the favorite of the season that begins. Twenty-four out of 24 riders – including Pecco – voted for the number 1 in the Ducati. “However Quartararo with the Yamaha he made important progress the other week, Marc tried a thousand things and I’m sure he’ll be very ready at the start, le Aprilia they make an impression, like all the other ducatisti with Bastianini in the head”. So, why do they say that? “Because in the tests I went very fast: it’s true, here in Portugal i can win. But the season is very long, anything can happen: do you remember last year?”. All right: Quartararo in front and Pecco chasing at -91. Halfway through the championship, however, it seemed over. “This time it could start better for me, because I learned from past mistakes and then I feel really good on the GP23. It’s a comfortable bike, which suits my style more: I brake very late and enter the corners very fast, I’m finally stable”. He claims it will take 3-4 GPs to learn how to manage these impossible weekends, between sprint race and traditional races. “I just know that I like the number 1 on the fairing, and I’ll do everything to keep it.”
Quartararo: “Too many risks in the sprint race”
These guys start the season every year thinner, almost skeletal. Fabio Quartararo is no exception, indeed. And as always, he gives a beautiful smile: “I’m leaving to fight until the last race with Pecco, even if right now he’s definitely ahead. I asked Yamaha for more power: it’s here, but we can still improve. In terms of hull and aerodynamics, a mix was made between the present and the past: we still lose something compared to the Ducati, but we’re all at the limit. If we want to stay on top, we’ll have to keep evolving.” He really doesn’t like sprint racing. “I understand there is a need for entertainment to attract the public, but they ask too much. The risks are high, physically it will be very hard”.
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Marquez: “Impossible to get on the podium”
Marc Marquez he always plays strategy and begins by raising his hands almost as a sign of surrender: “Here in Portugal we can’t think of a success, not even the podium. But we’re working hard, we hope to be competitive soon, starting with the flying lap, which could help us a lot a good placement on the grid.” However, the Ducatis.. “We’re very far away to even think of beating them. And Pecco is further away than anyone else. We have to find something – not an engine, maybe aerodynamics – that allows us to get at least a little closer. And maybe then do just like Bagnaia, who turned everything upside down in the second half of 2022”. Compared to the rumors of his possible farewell to Hondahe replies dryly: “I still believe in the project that I embraced 10 years ago, my ambition is the same as then”.
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Bastianini: “I’ll have to start strong right away”
Dressed all in red, Enea Bastianini is as happy as a child. “I can’t wait to get started. We arrive prepared. But it will never be the same again, this story of the sprint race (which even Marc Marquez doesn’t like, ed) distorts strategies. I’ll have to learn to start strong right away and fight everyone, not like in other years where I kept everything for the finale. We’ll see, I’m really curious.” He says he likes the bike, “also because it doesn’t seem so different from the GP22 to me: the most important thing is to find good communication with a box that is all new to me. The atmosphere is relaxed and I feel good”. Last year he finished with a third place finish to remember, astride the Ducati of a satellite team (Gresini). “I’m coming from a wonderful season, repeating yourself is always complicated. There are many fast and ambitious riders, but Bagnaia is truly number 1: I have to learn a lot from him, especially at the start, I hope I can do it quickly”.
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Aleix Espargarò and an Aprilia protagonist
Returning from an operation on his right forearm just 9 days ago, Aleix Espargarò he swears he feels great. “I’m as ready as I’ve ever been in my entire career, loaded with incredible enthusiasm.” All opponents indicated Aprilia as one of the fastest bikes, he and Maverick Vinales as two great protagonists of 2023. “The RS-GP was already very strong last year: for this season there have been no major upheavals, but a whole series of interventions – starting with aerodynamics – which have improved it. We are very optimistic, but we are waiting for the first race”. The first appointment is with the FP1s on Friday at 11.45am Italian time (10.45am here in Portugal).
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