Ducati is warned about potential threats at the Argentina MotoGP, specifically from Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi. The latter has demonstrated past success at the venue, while Yamaha and Honda are under scrutiny following inconsistent performances. Their adaptability to track conditions will be crucial in the upcoming races.
As the second round of the 2025 MotoGP season approaches, Ducati faces a formidable challenge at the Argentina MotoGP. Ducati previously excelled during the season-opening Thailand Grand Prix, where Marc Marquez consistently dominated. Alex Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia showcased their skills, contributing to Ducati’s strong performance. However, competition is heating up as Aprilia has emerged as a notable threat, particularly with Marco Bezzecchi’s impressive track record at the Argentina circuit with a victory in 2023 on a VR46 Ducati.
Marco Bezzecchi is highlighted as a key competitor for Ducati in Argentina. He has shown strong performance thus far, although he acknowledged that qualifying remains a weakness. As Lewis Duncan noted during the Crash MotoGP podcast, “The Aprilia generally, in these conditions, works well. It has a strong front end; it’s a good agile bike.” Bezzecchi will need to optimize his qualifying strategy to convert his potential into results at Argentina.
The track conditions in Argentina present unique challenges that could impact race outcomes. Lewis Duncan also remarked on Friday’s importance, given the difficult track conditions that could influence performance leading into qualifying. Success on the first day of practices can significantly enhance a rider’s strategy for the weekend.
Concerns linger for Yamaha, which showed promise during pre-season testing but struggled to translate that into competitive results in Thailand. Duncan indicated that the Argentina track conditions could prove more favorable, allowing Yamaha to showcase its true potential. He suggested, “If they come away more competitively than Thailand, then it’s a good indicator.”
Honda had a mixed performance in Thailand, with Johann Zarco finishing seventh. Although Honda continues to face challenges regarding traction and top speed, Duncan noted signs of improvement and expressed interest in their upcoming races, specifically mentioning upcoming circuits that might favor Honda’s capabilities. He remarked, “Argentina will be interesting because it will give us more of an idea of where the Japanese manufacturers are.”
In summary, Ducati anticipates significant competition from Aprilia, particularly with Marco Bezzecchi’s recent triumphs. Yamaha seeks to rebound from a disappointing showing in Thailand, while Honda’s performance indicates cautious improvement. Upcoming races will provide clearer insights into the capabilities of these manufacturers as they adapt to varying track conditions.
Original Source: www.crash.net
