MotoGP: Francesco Bagnaia ready for a “challenging season”

The 2024 Ducati team has been unveiled at the Madonna di Campiglio.

Ducati have unveiled their 2024 MotoGP machine with a new look for this season. The bike will feature a red front fairing – changing from the black on last season’s machine. Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini were there to present the bikes in an unchanged line-up.

The team have had a solid start to the 2024 season after one day of testing in Valencia – in November. Bagnaia finished 11^th after the day of testing, with Bastianini ending the test in eighth.

The 2024 season looks to be challenging for Bagnaia after winning his second consecutive title in 2023. Marc Marquez has moved to Gresini Racing, adding to the list of Martin, Bezzecchi, and Binder, whom he battled with, in 2023.

Speaking about the up-and-coming season, Bagnaia said: “I’m thrilled to kick off my fourth season with the Ducati Lenovo Team. The last test in Valencia provided positive feedback, giving us a solid foundation for the upcoming season’s development work.

“ I’m eager to hit the track and pick up where we left off. It’s bound to be a challenging season, but we’re ready to face it with our usual determination. As a close-knit team, we’ll give our best to aim for the Championship once again.”

The Beast is back

Joining him once again will be Enea Bastianini, who enters his second season as a factory MotoGP rider. Bastianini had a challenging season, suffering from an injury at the start of the season. However, Bastianini pulled off a miracle, winning the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang.

This would be his only win of the year, but with Martin putting pressure on his seat, he is determined for 2024. “2023 was a challenging year, and I look forward to redeeming myself in the upcoming season. We have an exciting 2024 ahead of us. Despite participating in only a few Grands Prix last year, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I’ll carry into the new season.

“ I have great confidence in my Team, and I know we have all the potential to do well. I can’t wait to hit the track and start the new season.”

WorldSBK

Alongside their MotoGP program, Ducati also unveiled their WorldSBK machines, which have a new line-up for 2024. Returning on a one-year extension will be Alvaro Bautista, who is also hoping to win his third consecutive title. However, Nicolo Bulega will be alongside Bautista as he prepares to make his WorldSBK debut.

Image credit: Ducati Media