Marco Bezzecchi’s problems with the Ducati GP23 continue in Qatar – The VR46 rider explains why he is slower than Marc Marquez and Co
Since Marco Bezzecchi switched from the Ducati GP22 to the GP23, the VR46 rider has not had the best feeling. It’s similar to last year with Enea Bastianini, who struggled with the GP23, especially at the entrance to corners
This phenomenon continued for Bezzecchi at the first race weekend in Qatar. In the sprint, he missed out on the points in eleventh place. In the Grand Prix, he finished 14th behind the pack of faltering Japanese machines.
“Unfortunately, it was a difficult Sunday for me,” sighed Bezzecchi. “We made a step forward in the warm-up. I finally felt quite good on the bike again. But from the start of the race, the front wheel often locked up in the braking phase. I can’t explain that.”
“As a result, I lost feeling on the brakes and at the start of the corner. I slowed down in the corner. As a result, I was able to open the throttle earlier because I lacked speed at the entrance to the corner. That’s why the rear tire was ready very early.”
“I tried to manage that. Eleven laps before the end, I was already in the mapping that releases the most power. But there was still half the race to go. It was a very difficult weekend for me.”
As in the winter tests, Bezzecchi was significantly slower than the other three riders on the GP23. Marc Marquez was close to the podium in fourth. Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio were also at the front in sixth and seventh.
“They can ride much faster than me – in terms of time attack and race pace,” said Bezzecchi, not mincing his words. “I’m trying to look at the data and understand why I’m lacking speed.”
“The problem is that I can’t do what they do at the moment. I have no confidence at all in the front wheel to release the brakes. The bike doesn’t turn. As a result, I lack cornering speed. I’m struggling, but I’m working hard.”
He does not want to give up: “We have found some interesting things, but we have also seen that it is very difficult when the weekend starts off difficult. Hopefully we will find a better basis in Portimao on Friday. I will manage it. It’s a bit frustrating, but also motivating. “