Time for revenge Enea Bastianini
Opens up to MCN about the challenges of 2023, his return to form in 2024 and how he intends to keep his factory Ducati ride in 2025
Factory Ducati rider Enea Bastianini had a tough 2023. Ravaged by injuries and never at ease with the GP23, it wasn’t his year. But the signs for 2024 are good, fast in testing along with securing sixth in the Sprint and fifth in the Qatar GP, the 26-year-old is seemingly on a trajectory to the front. Which is exactly where he has to be if he wants to keep the most coveted seat in MotoGP. MCN spoke with the man from Rimini after round one…
You started from the front row but couldn’t fight for the podium. Why not?
“I am a little disappointed with Qatar, because I was expecting more from it. Strategy wise, it did not go the way I was imagining.”
What was the problem?
“I was expecting a bigger drop from the tyres in both races, but especially in Sunday’s race. And so I started a little bit too conservative. I did not push as much as the others, imagining I could play my cards in the second part of the race, but it was not the case. And when I realised, it was too late and I was too far away from the leaders.”
Could you have fought with Bagnaia for the win?
“No, I don’t think I had his pace, but I could have done a little better. Lesson learned for next time.”
How does this compare to this time last year?
“Last year I didn’t get off to a bad start, but the feeling on the bike wasn’t the best, while this year on the GP24 it was immediate. The base of the bike has improved.”
So have Ducati engineers listened to your requests?
“Yes. They have, but they have listened to all of us, because what I and the other factory riders asked for, has been understood. Ducati have tried to please all of us. From Gigi Dall’Igna to all the engineers, everyone has done a great job with the new bike.”
From Ducati’s performance at opening race it seems the bike has made a step…
“I felt good and faster from the first round. This Ducati is a step forward and I hope it can stay that way. Right now, I think it is the best bike on the grid.”
Are Ducati now like Red Bull in Formula One
“I looked at F1, and it is true that Red Bull did something different. Ducati, for me, on the other hand, have kept their own philosophy. The character and the DNA of the bike are basically the same, but we fixed some small issues. We are not yet 100%, but our level is excellent.”
‘We are not 100%, but our level is excellent’
Bagnaia has the No1 plate. Do you feel like you could be his main opponent?
“Pecco showed a great pace and a lot of speed in the tests and races. I hope to be his first rival, even last year I had the ambition to win. It did not work out, but I feel that now it can be different. It will be a tasty start to the championship.”
The riders’ market is explosive, and many firms have their eyes on you…
“At the moment I don’t see any reason to change, I’m happy to be at Ducati. I am getting on very well, we have found speed again. I want to see my potential before thinking about the future. My future will be discussed later, but I am on the best bike today, the one that is most desired by everyone.”
What do you like most about the GP24?
“That it is very stable. It moves much less than the GP23, it has a nice delivery, cleaner. And, most importantly, we can brake as hard as we did on the older GP22.”
Are Bagnaia, Bastianini, Martin the key players?
“Judging from the tests yes, but races are a different story. We must not underestimate KTM and Aprilia, who are our direct rivals today. I’m keeping my feet on the ground, not letting my head get too big. And anyway, if I have to look at the winter tests and first race, I would also add Di Giannantonio, Marquez, Binder, and Aprilia...”
How did you see Marc?
“Good. He pushes when it’s time, but keeping some margin, he’s trying to understand the bike. He is a very tough rival, he will definitely be in the game. I don’t know about the World Championship, but for the first three places, yes.”
Did Bez make a bad decision not choosing Pramac and the factory bike?
“Who knows? He preferred not to change teams, keeping the old bike so as not to lose his people. Change sometimes does not bring good results. It is a respectable choice, but in hindsight, if he could go back, who knows if he would make the same choice again.”
What are your thoughts on Pedro Acosta?
“Pedro was immediately very fast and on the pace. He’s going to have to learn and be careful not to get too rushed, because MotoGP, especially when it comes to racing, is very different from testing.”
Who will be the biggest surprise?
“There will be several. So many riders are waiting for confirmation from their bikes. Quartararo is one of them, Marquez will try to secure an official team, Miller has to prove he deserves the official KTM, me the same. There will be sparks.”
‘I could have done a little better. Lesson learned for next time’