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The wait is over and for Bagnaia it means defending that number 1 that he chose to put on the fairing of his Ducati. Being world champion has its honours and its responsibilities, the latter being the man to beat for all the other 21 riders on the grid.
Pecco could not have prepared better, finishing the last tests in Portimao in first place, the same track where the championship will start this weekend. The race weekend is always different, but the Ducati rider is confident.
"Finally, we are starting again, and I am really excited! – he declared - The winter tests went well, and in some aspects, I like the Desmosedici GP 23 better than last year's bike. There are all the conditions to be able to start this new season well: Portimão is a track that I like and where in general, I am fast. In any case, we have to stay focused because the competitiveness will definitely be very high.
Also because a new format will be inaugurated.
“We will have to work at our best right from the start: this will be the first GP in which we will contest the sprint race, so we will have to get used to approaching the weekend in a different way – warned Pecco – I'm ready and looking forward to getting on track to kick off the 2023 World Championship officially!"
On the other side of the garage is Enea Bastianini, who is preparing to tackle his first Grand Prix with the colours of the official team. After a fantastic 2022 with the Gresini team, the goals of the Rimini rider are now even more ambitious.
"I am happy to finally be back on track for the first GP of the season. It will be my first race as an official rider, and so it will be even more exciting – were the words of Bastianini - The last test here in Portimão went well, and we already have a good base to start our weekend's work. Many riders have shown that they are competitive, so we will also have to be among the frontrunners right away, but I am confident that we have all the means to do so. I can't wait to get back to work with my team!"
