Following Ducati’s commanding performance at the season opener in Qatar, where Jorge Martin secured victory in the sprint race and reigning double world champion Francesco Bagnaia claimed the grand prix win, the focus now shifts to Portugal, presenting a fresh challenge for the Italian team.
The distinctive circumstances of the Qatar event, combined with the recent pre-season test held there just prior to the start of the season, make Portugal a crucial juncture, offering a potential reset and a clearer insight into the true pecking order within the paddock.
This transition holds significance for notable figures such as KTM’s rookie sensation Pedro Acosta and eight-time Grand Prix world champion Marc Marquez, who races for Gresini Ducati. Marquez himself acknowledged that Portugal marks a fresh start for him, admitting he’ll essentially be “starting from zero” after the last round.
In the latest episode of the Tank Slappers podcast, Lewis Duncan from Autosport and Oriol Puigdemont from Motorsport.com delve into the forthcoming Portuguese Grand Prix, dissecting the key storylines to anticipate.
Moreover, the podcast explores the recent rider market developments, particularly in light of Ducati’s signing of Moto2 standout Fermin Aldeguer to a two-year contract starting in 2025.
The discussion extends to the implications of Aldeguer’s arrival on the grid, including the speculation surrounding his race destination and its potential ramifications for other key players within the Ducati fold.