MotoGP: Ducati launch their title contender

The reigning MotoGP World champions, Ducati have unveiled their title contender for the 2023 season. The Italian-based team have new sponsors, a new number and a new rider.

The launch took place in Madonna, Italy where the full Italian team, would show their 2023 bike to the world. World champion, Francesco Bagnaia is continuing with Ducati, while Enea Bastianini moves to the team.

The team will have a brand-new sponsor for 2023, with the addition of monster energy on their bike and leathers. The energy drink giant already sponsors the factory Yamaha team, and many riders across the paddock. 

Bagnaia will use the number one plate for 2023, after winning the World championship in 2022. He will be the first rider to use the number one plate in MotoGP since Casey Stoner, in 2012.

Enea Bastianini makes the switch from the Gresini Ducati team, where he would fight for the championship. He would battle all season against Jorge Martin, for the factory Ducati seat, to replace Jack Miller.

Francesco Bagnaia’s 2022 was dramatic with a slow start to the season, scoring just 81 points in the first 11 races. He would later go on a winning streak, forcing Quartararo to make mistakes, and handing Bagnaia the title.

Enea Bastianini’s 2022 season was unexpected for the team, winning at the first round in Qatar. He would finish third in the standings, after winning four races and six podiums in 2022.

Ducati would have a great year, winning the manufacture and the constructors’ championship, in the same year. They would also manage to have eight bikes on the MotoGP grid in 2022, proving how big the brand is.

Francesco Bagnaia said: “My winter break was shorter than usual because of all the commitments after winning the World Championship, but now I am charged up and eager to start the season. I have missed the Desmosedici GP and my team, and I can’t wait to get back on track.

“I could not decide whether to continue using the number 63 or switch to the number 1, and in the end, I decided on the latter. Seeing it on the bike is beautiful, and now my goal will be to do everything to keep it.

“It won’t be easy because I expect even tougher competition than last year, with many rivals ready to fight for the title: however, I am aware that I have the best bike and team to aim high again in 2023. Thanks again to all of Ducati and my team! I am ready to resume our adventure together.”

Enea Bastianini added: “Wearing the colours of the official team is a great emotion, and now it is up to me to prove that I deserve this opportunity. I am excited about the new season! Fortunately, I won’t have to wait long to be able to ride my red Desmosedici GP bike on track.

“In a couple of weeks, we will be in Sepang for the first test of the year, and it will be a crucial moment to get to know the guys in the team better and, above all, to start working on the bike.

” It’s going to be a very competitive year, and there will definitely be easy and more difficult moments to face, but I’m ready for anything! Thanks again to Claudio, Gigi, Paolo, Davide and the whole Ducati! I will give 100% as always.”

Image: Ducati Media