Marc Marquez and the other Ducati GP23-spec riders are facing a tougher end to the 2024 MotoGP season than expected. Sources in the paddock revealed that Ducati downgraded key components after Marquez’s engine failure at Mandalika. The older Ducatis have struggled to keep up with the newer Desmosedici bikes this season. The introduction of a new rear tyre specification by Michelin has not worked well with the older machines, causing difficulties for riders like Marquez, his brother Alex, and satellite riders Fabio Di Giannantonio and Marco Bezzecchi.
However, the gap between the GP23 and GP24 seemed to be closing in recent rounds. Marquez won races at Aragon and Misano, with other satellite riders like Bezzecchi also improving. But Ducati removed components introduced earlier in the season to help close the gap to the 2024 machines after Marquez’s engine failure. The engine failure was believed to be caused by increased wheelspin triggered by the redesign, leading to the engine over-revving.
The exact component removed from the GP23 machines was initially unclear, but it was later confirmed to be the external flywheel. This flywheel is used to smooth speed fluctuations of the crankshaft, affecting corner entry grip and potentially contributing to engine over-revving. Riders like Marquez and Bezzecchi have had to adapt to the changes in their bikes.
Bezzecchi, in particular, has struggled with the improved Michelin rear causing understeer on his GP23, limiting his potential compared to last season when he finished third in the championship. The difference in performance has been significant, leading to considerations about whether to undergo shoulder surgery. Di Giannantonio, impacted by shoulder issues since his crash in August, is weighing the decision to stabilize his shoulder, potentially missing races or compromising pre-season testing on his new 2025-spec machine.
The removal of the component that was helping the GP23 riders compete with the GP24 bikes has widened the gap between the two. Despite the challenges, riders like Di Giannantonio are determined to continue racing and compete to the best of their abilities. The changes in the Ducati GP23 machines have added an extra factor to the riders’ decision-making process for the remainder of the season.