Francesco Bagnaia started the new MotoGP season with a victory at the Qatar GP, where Marc Márquez left a good impression. The Gresini rider, competing for the first time on the Ducati Desmosedici GP23, finished fourth not far from the podium.
Many expect the Spanish rider to return to title contention this year. However, Marco Melandri has a different opinion. When asked by the website InSella.it if he sees #93 as one of the contenders for the championship, the former rider replied:
– No. I can’t see a rival for Francesco Bagnaia. Already last year, he was the strongest of all at the beginning of the season. After Barcelona, he had some difficulties. Now he’s back in top form, and above all, the Ducati GP24 has improved a lot again. With the GP23, everyone has some difficulties.
In light of these statements, does Bagnaia have anything to lose in 2024? Melandri mentioned: ‘It’s a bit early to say, but he is the strongest on Sundays. I can’t understand why Saturdays are so difficult. In the Sprint, he always has some difficulties, even with the tires, but not on Sundays. In Qatar, he attacked in the first corner’.