While that gave the impression that the GP24 is near-unbeatable in 2024, both Bagnaia and Bastianini are convinced that it is still possible to win on last year’s bike.
Bagnaia explained that the learning curve on the GP23 is quite steep in the early part of the season, and the GP24 contenders are performing at their very best, but it would still be possible for Gresini and VR46 riders to chalk up a win this season in the right circumstances.
“The fact is that we are adapting well,” said the reigning champion. “Last year’s bike needed more time to adapt but was a very good bike. On some tracks it was very competitive, in other tracks it was less competitive.
“Here [in Mugello] the ‘23 [bike] was fantastic, also in Barcelona. So it’s difficult to know why [it wasn’t so fast this time].
“In the test in Jerez they had a new exhaust with the ’23 that helped a lot with the problems they were facing last year, and more or less right now are very similar [to GP24].
Marc Marquez, Gresini Racing
Photo by: MotoGP
“I think the win from a ’23 bike will come soon. But right now the level is very high, with the new tyres it’s very high again and we are doing a very special job [on GP24s].
“We are not just here, we are not three slow riders, just we are doing a very excellent job.”
Bastianini, who particularly struggled on the GP23 last year during an injury-ridden campaign with Ducati, says the difference between the specification of two bikes is not as big as some believe – and backed Marquez for winning a race this season.
“I agree with Pecco. I remember last year it was important to bring some time, to do some modification on the bike was different compared to ’21 [bike I rode with Gresini in 2022],” he said.
“But the ’23 bike for me compared to ’24 is so similar and well, for me this did not change a lot.
“Like you say, Pecco, probably…
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