Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati have worked on a new innovation to improve their performance this season, but it’s something Aprilia have been using for months.
Ducati’s woes this season have been all the more pronounced due to Aprilia’s dominance. And there have been many questions as to why the gap between the two factory teams is so pronounced.
Fabio Di Giannantonio pointed out this weakness as a real problem for him, presumably echoing the sentiments of several other Ducati riders.
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Even though Aprilia have suggested their dominance is temporary, it has been clear so far that there is something lacking on Ducati’s part.
But after the Barcelona test, Ducati have finally added an important innovation to their bike. Unfortunately for them, this innovation has been part of Aprilia’s bikes for months now.
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Aprilia have been using Ducati’s new swingarm innovation for months
According to Motor Pasion Moto, Ducati tested a new ‘groundbreaking’ swingarm innovation during their practice session last Friday.
Installed on Francesco Bagnaia’s GP26, the swingarm made an immediate impact after being placed on the rear tyre.
This new swingarm is supposed to help reduce drag and air resistance for the rear, allowing for a less turbulent driving experience for both Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.
However, there is one glaring issue for Ducati: Aprilia have been using this swingarm for months now. Furthermore, Ducati are yet to refine their swingarm for optimal performance.
With the gap between the two sides seemingly growing with each race, it is imperative that Ducati get this swingarm functional in time to salvage something from this season before it is too late.
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Aprilia’s dominance is shining a light on Ducati’s incompetence this season
Ducati’s inability to get their bike ready and competitive this season must be considered a disappointment for the team.
Their championship success last year appears to have brought about complacency when it came to developing their bike for this season.
Aprilia have neutralised Ducati’s strengths and taken a commanding lead in the constructors’ championship this season.
And while Bagnaia may have found the root of the issue during his battle with Marco Bezzecchi, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done for Ducati to try and catch up to Aprilia.
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