P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Marc Marquez and Ducati’s other GP23-specification riders will face a considerably tougher end to the 2024 MotoGP season than originally anticipated
According to sources in the paddock, Marc Marquez and Ducati’s GP23-specification riders are expected to face a tougher end to the 2024 MotoGP season due to key components being downgraded after Marquez’s engine failure. The struggle faced by Marquez, his brother Alex, and other satellite riders has largely been attributed to Michelin’s new rear tire specification not working well with their older machine. Recent improvements seemed to narrow the gap between the GP23 and GP24 bikes, but components introduced earlier to help the GP23 machines were withdrawn after Marquez’s engine failure. The exact changes made by Ducati to the GP23 machines are undisclosed, but they seem to provide more mechanical grip rather than engine performance. Riders like Marquez and Bezzecchi have had to adapt to these changes impacting their riding styles in the ongoing season.
