Ducati Sends Riders to Test at Newly Introduced Balaton Park for Upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix
Ducati took a proactive approach by dispatching seven of its Panigale V4 super sport motorcycles to Hungary on Tuesday. This move was aimed at allowing its riders to familiarize themselves with the Balaton Park circuit, which is making its inaugural appearance on the MotoGP calendar later this month. The Italian motorcycle manufacturer, which currently leads all three world championships—the riders’, teams’, and constructors’—is sparing no effort to ensure a competitive edge. This private testing session was organized to prepare for the Hungarian Grand Prix, scheduled from August 22 to August 24.
Riders Arrive at Lake Balaton for Testing
On a sunny Monday afternoon, the six Ducati MotoGP riders ventured to Lake Balaton, which is approximately an hour and a half away from Budapest. Among the riders were Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia from the official factory team. They were joined by Fermin Aldeguer and Alex Marquez from Gresini Racing, along with Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio from VR46 Racing. The team also had Michele Pirro, who serves as the factory’s test and development rider, in attendance.
Each of the seven riders had the opportunity to ride a Panigale V4 S Pro. This model represents the pinnacle of Ducati’s street bike offerings, being both sophisticated and race-ready. The Panigale V4 S Pro also serves as the foundation for Ducati’s WorldSBK machine, making it an ideal choice for this testing event.
Modifications for Optimal Performance
Ducati made several enhancements to the Panigale V4 S Pro to optimize performance while adhering to regulations that restrict the use of actual racing components during private team tests. The modifications included upgrades to brakes and suspension, along with additional features valued at over €10,000 that effectively transformed the bike into a near-race configuration. These adjustments were designed to provide the riders with a taste of competitive conditions while still complying with MotoGP rules.
Testing Conditions and Feedback from Riders
The testing session commenced around 11 AM, under sunny and warm skies. The track surface was reported to be in good condition, benefiting from the recent WorldSBK event held just ten days prior. WorldSBK rider Alvaro Bautista had previously expressed satisfaction with the low-speed characteristics of the venue, indicating that it was well-prepared for the MotoGP test.
The Ducati testing concluded around 5 PM, after which the riders returned home to prepare for the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix, marking the end of their summer break. According to MotoGP regulations, riders are prohibited from practicing on the Hungarian track in the 15 days leading up to the event, making this test crucial for their preparation.
Team Spirit and Collaboration
In a press release, the Ducati Lenovo Team emphasized the importance of this event as a team-building exercise. The collaboration between seven riders on the track was aimed at helping them acclimatize to the unique characteristics of the Hungarian circuit. "It was a busy Tuesday, a team-building event with seven riders on track to get familiar with the Hungarian circuit. About 70 laps in total between Pecco and Marc and very positive feelings heading into the imminent return to competition," the statement noted.
Riders Share Their Impressions
Francesco Bagnaia expressed his enthusiasm upon returning to the bike after the holiday. “Getting back on the bike after the holidays is always a pleasure,” he remarked. His initial impressions of the Balaton track were positive. He described it as a compact circuit that requires careful navigation through the chicanes but noted that he was enjoying the unique layout. “It’ll be different with the Desmosedici GP, but for now, I’m enjoying the Panigale V4 – even trying to drift it,” said the two-time world champion.
Marc Marquez, the current leader of the world championship, echoed Bagnaia’s sentiments about being back on the bike. “A great day on track with the whole Ducati Corse team,” he stated. Marquez highlighted the distinctiveness of the circuit, noting that it would necessitate some adjustments in riding style. “It’s a stop-and-go circuit and you’ll need to adapt. The quicker you find your rhythm, the better it gets, and you can really enjoy the speed,” he explained. He also praised the track surface, stating that it was in excellent condition and complimented the efforts made to prepare it for the upcoming races.
Historical Context of the Hungarian Grand Prix
The Hungarian Grand Prix is making its return to the MotoGP calendar after a lengthy hiatus of 33 years. The last race took place in 1992 at the Hungaroring in Budapest, where Eddie Lawson famously secured victory for Cagiva, marking Italy’s presence in the premier class of motorcycle racing. Just two years prior, Honda’s Mick Doohan clinched the win in the only other world championship edition of the Hungarian GP, which also occurred at the same iconic Formula 1 circuit.
With such a rich history and the excitement surrounding the return of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the anticipation is palpable among fans and teams alike. Ducati’s thorough preparation, including the recent testing at Balaton Park, underscores the competitive spirit and dedication that permeates the MotoGP environment.
As the riders gear up for the upcoming races, their experiences on the Panigale V4 S at Balaton Park will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping their strategies and performances in the weeks to come. The combination of teamwork, advanced technology, and a rich racing heritage positions Ducati well as they prepare to take on the challenges that lie ahead in Hungary and beyond.
In summary, Ducati’s commitment to excellence and preparation for the Hungarian Grand Prix through this test session illustrates the brand’s relentless pursuit of success in the world of MotoGP. With the experience gained on the Panigale V4 S and the insights shared among the riders, Ducati is poised to make a significant impact as the MotoGP season resumes.
