Enea Bastianini is determined to make a strong return in his sophomore year with Tech3 after a challenging 2025 season with KTM that failed to meet expectations. Despite difficulties, the Romagna native still demonstrated his talent—Barcelona remains a vivid reminder of his potential and the standard he aims to achieve.
During the team’s presentation, Bastianini expressed his readiness to reclaim his standing, striving to prove his capabilities amid an evolving and competitive market landscape.
Reflection on Challenges and Mental Preparation
Bastianini opened up about the difficulties he faced last year and the adjustments he made in the off-season to prepare for the upcoming campaign.
“I think this past winter was the easiest,”
he said.
“I say that because I think I can only improve on last year. At first, I was quite pensive, I had a lot on my mind, but then I managed to disconnect and I think I prepared myself very well, both physically and mentally. I feel ready to start, aware that it’s never easy, but I’m happy with the work I’ve done. Unfortunately, last year, I focused too much on results at the beginning, and that was something that affected me.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Adjusting Focus from Results to Bike Feelings
Asked about the challenge of not obsessing over race results, a common pressure for MotoGP riders, Bastianini acknowledged it is difficult but necessary for improvement.
“It’s always difficult, it’s normal. Perhaps my mistake in the past, as I said, was to look at the results right away. In fact, from the first lap, I tried to understand the gap between me and the others or vice versa. This year, I want to approach it differently, focusing more on the sensations on the bike than on the times. I think it’s the right thing to do. It won’t be easy, because it’s easy to get carried away by the results of the moment, but I’ve talked about it with the team and we’ll focus mainly on the sensations.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Reconciling Expectations and Technical Challenges
Bastianini reflected on how high expectations and his change in approach impacted last season, especially adjusting to KTM’s unique demands.
“Yes, maybe I wasn’t ready to review my results, especially at the beginning, when I found myself fighting hard for a top ten finish. From 2022 to 2024, I always fought for the top five positions, so finding myself further back wasn’t easy. I focused too much on sensations that I couldn’t have with the KTM: that was definitely my mistake last year. That’s why now I don’t want to focus too much on results, especially in testing, but on sensations. I know the KTM can be fast, but it’s a complex bike and sensitive to conditions. However, I’m confident because this year I’m working with people who can help me.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Personal and Team Challenges to Overcome in 2026
Bastianini identified the biggest hurdle for the new season as proving himself both personally and to KTM.
“The key word is ‘prove’. I am aware of my potential, just as KTM is aware of its potential, but proving yourself is never easy. I have to be honest with myself: I have a lot to prove on this bike, but it’s not something that worries me. I know I can do it, I proved it in some races last year. I need to work especially on consistency and qualifying, which penalized me a lot. In the race, I often had the speed to be in the top five or six: that will be the biggest challenge.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Rider Market Dynamics and Timing
The rider transfer market is moving rapidly this season, and Bastianini shared his perspective on this accelerated pace.
“It’s a step that you want to take as soon as possible. This year, everything will probably happen even faster. I think Marquez will be the benchmark for the market, and everyone is waiting for his decisions. I don’t think it will be long before we know, and I think everything will move very quickly.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Impact of Managerial and Staff Changes on Performance
Bastianini discussed the challenges associated with changing managers and staff mid-season, highlighting the importance of stability.
“I built a professional relationship with Pernat that started in 2016, and it has been a memorable journey. Of course, managing all these changes has not been easy. At first, I struggled to understand what I needed, and the people around me were helping me. After Barcelona, it was even more complicated to communicate my feelings. Maybe I focused too much on that aspect and less on the feelings on the bike, looking more at the screen and the final result. That slowed down the process. This year, I will have a crew chief who I know will stay, and that’s important.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Perspectives on Coaching Choices and New Leadership
Regarding teammate Maverick Viñales’ decision to work with a former rider as a coach, Bastianini offered his view.
“To be honest, I’ve never thought about working with a former rider, but I don’t think he made the wrong choice. He trained a lot on the bike this year. Personally, I think that sometimes too much can be counterproductive, but I respect his choice.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Additionally, with Guenther Steiner’s recent arrival at Tech3 straight from Formula 1, Bastianini is intrigued by the potential changes.
“We haven’t spoken much, but I know that some things will change. Guenther comes from a different world, Formula 1, and he will be able to bring new experience to our environment. I’m curious to see him on the track, to understand how he will approach the riders and what his vision for the future will be.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Training on Different Bikes and Building Chemistry with Crew Chief
Bastianini recently trained at Jerez on a Panigale V4S road bike and shared his thoughts on how it differs from a MotoGP or KTM machine.
“Road bikes are very different from the ones we use. Nothing really comes close to a MotoGP bike. I’ve never tried a real Superbike, but I’ll be trying the new KTM 990 soon and I’m curious. Obviously, the lines at Jerez with a MotoGP bike are completely different from a road bike.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
His new crew chief was also present during this training, marking a fresh start for their partnership.
“That’s right! He traveled 200km to be there, even though the weather wasn’t the best. We are building a great relationship of mutual trust, and I think that after Sepang we will have a path to follow together. Unfortunately, last year was very complicated, given what happened initially with Giribuola. Now I have a new person by my side, we are getting to know each other better and better, and I believe we can find the right mix. At Sepang, we will have a lot of material to test compared to last season, and I am very happy about that. In fact, I think we will be ready. I think we can be competitive, but we will have to see what the reality is in Malaysia. Certainly, compared to last year, it will be different.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Confidence in His Value Amid Market Uncertainty
Finally, Bastianini addressed the market speculation, expressing a calm confidence grounded in his accomplishments.
“I think I’ve shown what I can do in MotoGP, and certain people know what I can do on the bike. That doesn’t mean feeling like I’ve arrived: you never stop proving yourself, as Marco showed last year. I believe in my path, and I know I can be competitive in any situation. I’ve worked hard this winter on all aspects. The first races will be important, but I think many decisions will be made before the start of the championship.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
As Bastianini embarks on this pivotal second year with Tech3, his renewed focus on bike feel and consistent performance signals a determined effort to convert potential into results. With new team stability, evolving leadership, and a rapidly changing rider market, the 2026 season promises to be a crucial test for the Italian rider aiming to reestablish himself within MotoGP’s elite ranks.
