Mattia Pasini on Marc Marquez’s Ducati: “Maybe a GP23 at First, but Then……”

Mattia Pasini on Marc Marquez’s Ducati: “Maybe a GP23 at First, but Then a GP23+”

The debate over Marc Marquez’s Ducati Desmosedici GP23 has taken a fresh twist, with former rider and pundit Mattia Pasini suggesting that the eight-time world champion may have had a more evolved version of the bike than initially believed.

 

Marquez, who made a bold switch from Honda to Gresini Ducati for the 2024 MotoGP season, has consistently dismissed rumors that his machine is anything beyond last year’s factory-spec GP23. However, speculation has persisted, fueled by his rapid adaptation and impressive results in early races.

 

Pasini, a respected voice in the paddock, shared his perspective on the matter. “In my opinion, Marc Marquez had a GP23 maybe at the beginning, but then it was, let’s say, a GP23+,” he stated. This comment hints at the possibility that Ducati may have provided Marquez with subtle upgrades beyond what was publicly acknowledged.

 

While Ducati has been clear that only factory riders Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini are on the latest GP24, Marquez’s performance has raised eyebrows. His aggressive riding style and ability to extract the maximum from the Desmosedici have made some wonder whether his bike has received special attention.

 

Regardless of the speculation, Marquez remains a top contender in the championship, proving that even with a theoretically “older” bike, he can challenge the best. If his GP23 is indeed a “GP23+,” it only adds another layer to the growing intrigue of the 2024 MotoGP season.

 

Do you think Marquez is riding a slightly enhanced version of the GP23, or is it just his raw talent making the difference? Let us know your thoughts!