In the world of MotoGP, where technology and precision engineering drive success, subtle differences between bike models can have a significant impact on performance. Marco Bezzecchi, the young Italian rider for the Mooney VR46 Racing Team, recently shed light on the differences between Ducati’s GP24 and GP25 models, offering a glimpse into the unique characteristics of each bike. His remarks came as he and fellow Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia discussed the nuances that distinguish the GP25 from its predecessor, the GP24.
Marco Bezzecchi, currently riding the Ducati GP24, has been a standout performer throughout the 2024 MotoGP season. While he may not be on the latest version of Ducati’s prototype, his ability to extract maximum potential from the GP24 has made him a key competitor on the grid. With Ducati’s GP25 now being rolled out, Bezzecchi’s insights into how these models differ offer an interesting perspective on what riders prioritize in a race bike.
“Yes, it’s true,” Bezzecchi began, acknowledging the presence of distinct characteristics between the GP24 and GP25. He highlighted that, while the two bikes share a lot of similarities given their Ducati heritage, they also have key differences that can impact a rider’s performance on the track.
“The GP25 has a slightly different handling characteristic compared to the GP24, especially in how it reacts in certain corners and under braking,” Bezzecchi explained. “But the core of the bike, its DNA, remains very similar. It’s just a characteristic of the bikes, and every rider has to adapt to make the most of what they have.”
Bezzecchi emphasized that adapting to the specific handling and performance quirks of each bike is part of the challenge and appeal of riding in MotoGP. While he has made the GP24 a formidable machine in his hands, he acknowledges that the GP25 may offer some advantages that will become more evident as it is further refined and adapted to different tracks.
Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning world champion and Ducati’s lead rider, is currently riding the GP25, which represents Ducati’s latest technological advancements in the MotoGP paddock. Bagnaia has been candid about the adjustments he has had to make while transitioning to the new model, highlighting that while the GP25 brings some improvements, it also presents new challenges.
“The GP25 is a great bike, but it takes time to really understand what it can do differently from the GP24,” Bagnaia commented. “It’s more refined in some areas, like how it handles braking stability and acceleration out of corners. But that also means you need to adjust your style slightly to fully take advantage of those improvements.”
Bagnaia’s comments align with Bezzecchi’s perspective, emphasizing that while the GP25 may be an evolution, it’s not a complete departure from the GP24. For both riders, the transition between models requires a period of adaptation, as they fine-tune their riding style to extract the maximum performance from their respective machines.
Despite the technical differences, Bezzecchi and Bagnaia agree that the essence of Ducati’s racing DNA remains consistent between the GP24 and GP25. Ducati has built a reputation for producing powerful and competitive bikes that excel in straight-line speed and stability, a characteristic that has remained unchanged in both models.
“The GP24 has a certain rawness to it that I like,” Bezzecchi mentioned. “It’s very stable and allows you to push hard, especially on the straights. The GP25 seems to refine some of those elements, which is great, but the feeling of power and control is still there, just with a different touch.”
For Bezzecchi, this shared DNA means that riders can transition between models without having to relearn the fundamentals of Ducati’s handling characteristics. Instead, the focus is on adapting to the new refinements and using them to gain a competitive edge during races.
As the 2024 MotoGP season progresses, the differences between the GP24 and GP25 will continue to be a topic of discussion, especially as riders like Bezzecchi and Bagnaia push their bikes to the limit in pursuit of victories. Bezzecchi’s ability to keep pace with the latest machinery, even while riding the GP24, speaks to his skill as a rider and the competitive nature of Ducati’s older model. Meanwhile, Bagnaia’s transition to the GP25 will be closely watched as he seeks to capitalize on the advancements of the newer model.
For Ducati, having riders on both the GP24 and GP25 offers a unique opportunity to compare performance data and refine the bikes for different tracks and conditions. Bezzecchi and Bagnaia’s insights are invaluable for the team’s development efforts, as they provide firsthand feedback on how each bike performs under race conditions
The conversation between Marco Bezzecchi and Francesco Bagnaia regarding the differences between the GP24 and GP25 highlights the intricacies of competing at the highest level of MotoGP. For Bezzecchi, riding the GP24 has not been a disadvantage, but rather an opportunity to show that skill and adaptability are just as important as having the latest technology. Bagnaia, on the other hand, is embracing the challenge of mastering the GP25, knowing that it represents the next step in Ducati’s racing evolution.
Both riders recognize that success in MotoGP is about more than just the bike beneath them; it’s about the ability to understand, adapt, and push the machine to its limits. As the season unfolds, fans can expect both Bezzecchi and Bagnaia to continue their fierce competition, each bringing out the best in their respective Ducati models. Their insights into the GP24 and GP25 provide a fascinating look into the technical side of MotoGP, showing how small differences can make a big impact in the quest for victory.