Former MotoGP team manager Francesco Guidotti has dismissed claims that Ducati suffered a \u201cdisaster\u201d at the Thai season opener.<\/p>\n
The Italian believes the manufacturer\u2019s worst grand prix result since 2021 says more about its recent dominance than any serious problem.<\/p>\n
Guidotti, a former boss of Pramac Ducati and later the factory KTM team, now contributes to Sky Italia\u2019s MotoGP<\/a> coverage.<\/p>\n The Buriram race ended Ducati\u2019s run of 88 consecutive MotoGP podiums, with rivals Aprilia filling four of the top five places.<\/p>\n Marco Bezzecchi <\/a>led the charge with victory, but Ducati\u2019s reigning champion Marc Marquez<\/a> looked set for a podium before suffering late wheel-rim damage.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n “Of course, the Thailand GP looks like a huge disaster for Ducati but only compared to the past,\u201d Guidotti told Speedweek.com.<\/p>\n “Realistically speaking, an outcome like the Thailand GP is rather normal and, in my view, not a drama for Ducati.”<\/p>\n Guidotti credited Aprilia\u2019s memorable weekend performance but also highlighted that Bezzecchi seems to excel on the special, harder rear tyre construction.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Aprilia did a great job; they closed the gap,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Bezzecchi was also able to make the difference in Buriram because he is one of the few riders who loves Michelin\u2019s special carcass, which is otherwise only used at Mandalika and the Red Bull Ring.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cMarc was back at the front after a long break. Under normal circumstances, he would have been on the podium twice at the start of the season; you can\u2019t expect more than that.\u201d<\/p>\n “I don’t see a huge problem for Ducati”<\/p>\n Guidotti also felt VR46 riders Fabio di Giannantonio<\/a> and Franco Morbidelli<\/a> had shown competitive speed, despite a technical issue and a poor start, respectively.<\/p>\n At Gresini, the Italian suggested title runner-up Alex Marquez<\/a> may have felt the pressure of factory expectations, \u201cthat ended with him in the gravel\u201d.<\/p>\n