The upgraded Ducati GP24 showcased its dominance in pre-season testing last month, with reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia setting record-breaking speeds at both the Sepang and Losail circuits. This performance signaled a formidable challenge to competitors as the 2024 MotoGP season approached.
Ducati’s supremacy extended into the opening grand prix of the season, where Bagnaia clinched victory from fifth on the grid. While his triumph affirmed Ducati’s prowess, Brad Binder’s second-place finish hinted at a potential challenge to the Italian manufacturer’s dominance.
Throughout the Qatar weekend, Aprilia also displayed impressive speed, particularly with Aleix Espargaro showcasing the capabilities of the RS-GP with a third-place finish in the sprint race. However, tire issues thwarted his chances of replicating this success in the main event.
Enea Bastianini, gaining perspective from his position further down the grid in fifth place at Losail, observed that KTM had significantly narrowed the gap to the frontrunners with the revamped RC16 in 2024. He noted KTM’s competitiveness in both the grand prix and sprint races, positioning them as formidable rivals alongside Aprilia.
Binder’s performance further underscored KTM’s progress, being the only non-Ducati rider to break the 1m51s barrier in qualifying. While he secured fourth place, just over a tenth behind polesitter Jorge Martin, Binder’s strong run to second in the sprint race showcased KTM’s potential.
Despite Binder’s competitive showing, Bagnaia’s dominant victory in the full-distance race highlighted Ducati’s continued superiority. When questioned about KTM’s level of competition compared to Ducati, Binder expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the proximity between the two manufacturers but recognizing Ducati’s slight edge in pace.
Binder’s remarks indicated that while KTM is close to matching Ducati’s performance, there remains a margin for improvement. He emphasized the need for further development to bridge the final gap and mount a consistent challenge to Ducati’s dominance in MotoGP.
