Francesco Bagnaia entered the new MotoGP era with a victory at the Qatar GP, in which Marc Márquez left a good impression. The Gresini rider, competing for the first time on the Ducati Desmosedici GP23, finished fourth not far from the podium.
Many expect the Spaniard to return to the title fight this year. However, Marco Melandri has a different opinion. When asked by the site InSella.it if he sees #93 as one of the championship contenders, the former rider replied:
– I don’t. I can’t see a rival for Francesco Bagnaia. Last year he was the strongest of all at the beginning of the season. After Barcelona, he had some difficulties. Now he’s back in top form and, above all, the Ducati GP24 has improved again by a lot. With the GP23, everyone has some difficulties.
Regarding these statements, Bagnaia only has to lose in 2024? Melandri said: ‘It’s a bit early to say, but he is the strongest on Sundays. I can’t understand why Saturdays are so difficult for him. In the Sprint he always has some difficulties, even with the tires, but not on Sundays. In Qatar he attacked in the first corner‘.
