P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Bastianini says KTM "really close" to Ducati in MotoGP this year
The upgraded Ducati GP24 dominated pre-season testing, setting record-breaking pace with Francesco Bagnaia leading the way at Sepang and Losail. Bagnaia’s victory in the opening grand prix showcased Ducati’s strength, but Binder’s second-place finish for KTM hinted at a competitive season ahead. Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro impressed at Qatar before tyre issues hindered his performance, while Bastianini noted KTM’s progress with the revamped RC16, believing they are now close rivals with Ducati and Aprilia. Despite Binder’s strong showing, he feels KTM still has room for improvement to match the pace of Ducati, emphasizing the need for further development to challenge the top teams in 2024.
