The 2024 MotoGP season has not yet begun, but one thing is already certain for the future: Pecco Bagnaia, the current world champion, has committed to two more seasons with Ducati’s dominant team. This ensures that he will remain a key figure in the team until at least the end of the 2026 season.
However, the question of who will be Bagnaia’s teammate is still open. Ducati has several contenders in their ranks, but the team is not in a hurry to make a decision. They want to see how things unfold when the season starts in the coming weeks.
For veteran team principal Gigi Dall’Igna, deciding whether to keep Enea Bastianini or look elsewhere within the Ducati team is not an easy decision. There are pros and cons to each option, and Dall’Igna will have to weigh them carefully.
Here are our thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of each realistic contender:
Contender 1: Bagnaia’s current Ducati teammate
Pros: Ducati is familiar with Bastianini due to his current role in the team, and he has won five Grand Prix races. Despite a disappointing rookie season last year, he ended on a high note with a victory. With a strong testing program, he aims to start this season on the right foot.
Cons: There are still doubts about Bastianini’s form, and he needs to prove he can be consistent in 2022. Last year was a struggle for him, and he needs to fight for podiums from the start to impress Ducati’s bosses. There is also concern about how he will adapt to the sprint weekend format.
Contender 2: Current Ducati Pramac rider
Pros: Jorge Martin showed incredible speed in 2023 and was a strong contender for the title. He deserved a spot in the factory team this year but retained his place in the Pramac satellite team. He is the fastest non-factory Ducati rider and just needs to maintain his form.
Cons: Martin made several mistakes on and off the track last year, ultimately costing him the championship. He may have some personal issues to resolve, and his ego could affect negotiations.
Contender 3: Current Ducati Gresini rider
Pros: This contender is none other than Marc Marquez, a legendary rider with a huge reputation. Commercially, having Marquez at Ducati would be a dream for the team’s sponsors. If he is fully fit, he will undoubtedly be fast once he adapts to the bike.
Cons: Marquez is currently a question mark due to his persistent arm injury. It will take a few races to determine his true level in a post-Honda world. Although a team with nine MotoGP titles between them sounds impressive, there may be harmony issues.
Contender 4: Ducati VR46 rider
Pros: Bezzecchi would bring the benefit of being a support for his best friend and Valentino Rossi’s protege colleague, Bagnaia. He would likely be Bagnaia’s top choice as a teammate, and if that leads to a spot in the factory team, it would be a great opportunity for him.
Cons: Bezzecchi showed speed in 2023, but lacked consistency. He had many crashes and weekends where he did not perform well. He needs to find consistency and perform at the same level every weekend.
Overall, Ducati has several strong contenders for the second rider position, each with their own pros and cons. It will be interesting to see who will have the opportunity to ride alongside Bagnaia in the 2024 MotoGP season.
© 2024
Portugal defeats Spain in thrilling soccer match
In the last game of the World Cup group stage, Portugal defeated Spain in an exciting match. The game was played at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, and had the presence of thousands of enthusiastic fans.
From the start, both teams showed an offensive and competitive style of play. Portugal opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the first half, with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. Spain quickly responded and equalized the match at 20 minutes, with a goal from Sergio Ramos.
The game continued to be lively, with goal-scoring opportunities for both sides. At 35 minutes, Portugal scored again, with a beautiful shot from Bernardo Silva. Spain didn’t give up and equalized again at 50 minutes, with a goal from Isco.
In the second half, both teams continued to seek victory. Portugal managed to score the third goal at 70 minutes, with a precise header from Diogo Jota. Spain couldn’t react and the score remained unchanged until the end of the game.
With this victory, Portugal secured the top spot in the group and advanced to the Round of 16 in the World Cup. The team now awaits their next opponent, which will be determined in the upcoming matches.
Portuguese fans celebrated the victory in the streets of Lisbon, with lots of partying and joy. The Portuguese national team showed a great performance and promises to continue fighting for the World Cup title.
The match between Portugal and Spain was a true spectacle of soccer, with many goals and excitement from start to finish. The players from both teams gave their all on the field and provided a show for the fans in attendance.
Now, Portugal is preparing for the next phase of the competition, where they will face even tougher opponents. The team is confident and determined to win the World Cup title.
Follow all the emotions of the World Cup and cheer for the Portuguese national team. The next game promises to be even more exciting and decisive. Stay tuned and don’t miss any moment of this historic competition. Let’s go together in search of victory!
