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Ducati eyes more titles with new look machine

Bagnaia-Bastianini

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: January 23, 2024

Ducati enjoyed one of the most dominant seasons ever in 2023 and it is eyeing more success in 2024 after revealing its latest challenger.

The Italian marquee revealed the colours current two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini will race their DesmosediciGP24s with throughout the 2024 season.

The traditional Ducati red remains the dominant feature much like the liveries in recent years.

Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna and Enea Bastianini.

The biggest change has been on the front of the bike with the black surrounding the numbers gone and the red continuing.

As a result the #1 of Bagnaia and #23 of Bastianini have changed colours to black and white respectively to stand out more.

Bagnaia hopes to join Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi as the only riders to take a hat-trick of MotoGP world titles later this season.

The Italian is already boosted by a positive experience testing the 2024 bike and is full of confidence to chase more silverware.

Francesco Bagnaia is chasing a third straight MotoGP title.

“I’m thrilled to kick off my fourth season with the Ducati Lenovo Team,” the 2022 and 2023 world champion said. 

“The last test in Valencia provided positive feedback, giving us a solid foundation for the upcoming season’s development work. I’m eager to hit the track and pick up where we left off.

“It’s bound to be a challenging season, but we’re ready to face it with our usual determination. 

“As a close-knit team, we’ll give our best to aim for the Championship once again.” 

Francesco Bagnaia flying around Phillip Island on the 2023 Ducati. Photo by Gold and Goose / LAT Images

Whilst Bagnaia held off Pramac Ducati rival Jorge Martin to the title after winning seven Grands Prix last year, it was a very different campaign for Bastianini.

He could only manage 15th in the championship with one podium after a tough season dominated by injury setbacks having started just five of the first 14 races.

However, that podium was a sweet one being a redemption victory in Malaysia and Bastianini believes the challenges of 2023 will give him more resolve for what’s to come in 2024.

Ene Bastianini on his 2024 Ducati.

“2023 was a challenging year, and I look forward to redeeming myself in the upcoming season,” he said.

“Despite participating in only a few Grands Prix last year, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I’ll carry into the new season. 

“I have great confidence in my Team, and I know we have all the potential to do well. 

“I can’t wait to hit the track and start the new season.”

Testing begins in Malaysia on February 6-8.

NEW MAGAZINE

The first AUTO ACTION magazine of 2024 is on sale at your news agents Thursday or available in digital form right here, continuing on as Australia’s most trusted independent voice in motorsport. If you can’t get a copy locally, you can also subscribe to the latest issue of Auto Action print or digital edition of the magazine here.

Head here for more of the latest motorsport news.

On the latest RevLimiter podcast they also talk about the parity in Supercars and the changes in the series. Other topics include engine testing, Ludo Lacroix joining Premier, Max Verstappen’s Formula One car, NASCAR, and Gilligan’s Route 66 tour to the Chicago Street Race.

Listen to our latest episode on your podcast app of choice or here

 

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