MotoGP has recently implemented a new concessions system for the 2024 season in order to provide Yamaha and Honda an opportunity to improve their performance after challenging campaigns in 2023. Under this new ruleset, both teams will enjoy various benefits, including unlimited testing, unrestricted engine and aerodynamic development. This is undoubtedly a significant advantage for Yamaha and Honda, as they now have the freedom to explore and enhance their performance without any restrictions.
Unfortunately, the introduction of the new concessions system puts Ducati at a disadvantage. The reigning world champion marque will face limitations in terms of test tyres, private testing, engine development, and the ability to field wildcards. This poses a significant challenge for Ducati, hindering their progress and making it difficult for them to maintain their competitive edge. This is particularly frustrating for Francesco Bagnaia, a Ducati rider, who believes that the concessions did not need to change for his team.
Bagnaia expresses his agreement with the concessions for Yamaha and Honda, acknowledging their need for improvement. However, he firmly believes that Ducati should not have been subjected to these changes. In his view, Ducati should have continued operating under the existing rules, which already limited their in-season testing with race riders, engine development, and aero updates. Bagnaia finds it perplexing that Ducati is now faced with further restrictions while others enjoy significant advantages.
With the new concessions system, Yamaha and Honda will have a substantial head start in testing. Bagnaia highlights that Yamaha will begin their testing in Malaysia with three additional days, giving them a significant advantage over their competitors. Moreover, the expanded testing opportunities for Yamaha and Honda will enable them to experiment and refine their bikes extensively, reinforcing their chances of success in the upcoming season. Bagnaia suggests that this advantage is particularly noticeable in Yamaha’s case, as they have gained the expertise of Massimo Bartolini, who recently joined their team from Ducati.
Marc Marquez’s move to Gresini Racing for the 2024 season has garnered attention and speculation regarding his impact on the competitive order within Ducati. However, Bagnaia downplays the potential threat posed by Marquez, emphasizing that there are many other competitive riders to consider. Bagnaia believes that Marquez will have a strong season due to the use of a winning bike, which is expected to outperform his previous bike. Nonetheless, Bagnaia emphasizes that there are several other talented riders whom he considers to be equally competitive.
MotoGP’s new concessions system has created a significant disparity among teams. While Yamaha and Honda enjoy the freedom to develop their bikes without restrictions, Ducati faces considerable challenges and limitations. This unequal playing field raises questions about fairness and competitiveness within the sport. Only time will tell how these changes will impact the teams and riders throughout the 2024 season.
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