Ducati looked more vulnerable than expected ahead of the Qatar GP. Then Pecco Bagnaia won with some ease, and Ducati locked out six of the top seven positions. Why couldn’t its main rivals mount a challenge?
Ducati, with a strong history at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit, appeared unexpectedly vulnerable before Sunday’s grand prix, facing rear chatter issues despite the win in the sprint race by Jorge Martin of Pramac Ducati. The rear tire problems affected Martin, Pecco Bagnaia, and Enea Bastianini during the race, challenging Ducati’s performance. Despite initial concerns, Ducati managed to secure positions 1-3-4-5-6-7, with Bagnaia dominating the race. Meanwhile, Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro, tipped for a strong finish, faced struggles with tire traction and launch off the line, resulting in an eighth-place finish. Espargaro expressed disappointment with the rear tire’s performance, affecting his race pace and ability to compete. Despite his frustrations, he acknowledged the unpredictable nature of racing and the challenges faced during the event.
