FEATURE I 2023 FIM MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
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Series organizer Dorna hopes the
sweeping changes, which include
new theme music and a MotoGP
rider's parade before Sunday's races
package as well as the revamped for-
mat, attract a new, younger fanbase.
And the product should deliver,
even if winter testing showed no
other manufacturer has come close
to taking over Ducati's mantle as
technical standard bearer in the
class. Ending last year in a position
of strength, the Italian factory opted
for evolution over the usual offsea
-
son revolution in technical terms,
refining its engine so power delivery
is more rider friendly.
That, added to its already con
-
siderable strength in braking and
acceleration, makes it a fearsome
package. You would have to go all
the way back to 2003 for the last
time a manufacturer started in such
a position of strength—and not just
because of the quality in its factory
team. In the three-day Sepang test in
February, seven of the nine fastest
riders were riding Bologna bullets; in
Portimao a month later, Ducati occu
-
pied seven of the top eight places.
All eight look easily capable of
scoring podiums in this year's 42
outings. Seven could well win. And,
going off an admittedly limited
amount of testing, three should
be right in the midst of the title
fight. Testing has indicated reign
-
ing champion Francesco Bagnaia
(Ducati Lenovo) will face sterner
tests from within. One of the year's
Aerodynamics is
playing a greater role
in MotoGP than ever.
