Ducati CEO Expects Francesco Bagnaia to Shine Starting from Qatar Grand Prix
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali foresees a more competitive championship from the Qatar Grand Prix, expecting Francesco Bagnaia to rebound after a tough start. Bagnaia is currently third, while Marc Marquez has won the first two races. Historically, Bagnaia has had some success at the Lusail International Circuit, although he has not podiumed in the Sprint events there.
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati, anticipates a shift in the competitive landscape starting from the Qatar Grand Prix, where he expects Francesco Bagnaia to resume his pursuit of victories following a challenging season opener. Bagnaia currently holds third place, but expectations were high for him to compete against Marc Marquez, who has secured wins in the initial races of the season in Thailand and Argentina.
Marquez aims to maintain his unbeaten streak as MotoGP heads to the Circuit of the Americas, a venue where he typically excels. In contrast, Domenicali expresses optimism for Bagnaia’s performance post-Qatar, stating, “I think Pecco started with two races that weren’t the most favourable for him.” He highlights that Bagnaia’s struggles stemmed from issues not of his making during winter testing.
Domenicali is confident Bagnaia will demonstrate his true potential starting with upcoming races, although he notes that Austin might not be an ideal track for him given Marquez’s strengths there. Historically, Bagnaia has had varied outcomes in Qatar, capturing two victories at the Lusail International Circuit and earning multiple podium finishes in MotoGP despite not having success in Sprint Races at this venue.
Claudio Domenicali’s insights suggest a potential turnaround for Francesco Bagnaia as the MotoGP season progresses post-Qatar. The expectation of a more competitive championship hinges on Bagnaia overcoming initial struggles and showcasing his capabilities, despite challenges posed by rival Marc Marquez. Historical performance in Qatar indicates that the upcoming races could reveal Bagnaia’s true potential.
Original Source: bikesportnews.com
