Enea Bastianini experienced a frustrating weekend at the Misanocircuit, a clear contrast to his strong showing in Barcelona just weeks before. Competing for the Tech3 KTM team, he struggled to manage the bike’s aggressive behavior, which he has battled throughout the season. His race ended prematurely with a crash on lap 12, and in the following collective tests, he was only able to secure 12th place, trailing Pedro Acosta’s RC-16 by over six-tenths of a second. Despite the disappointing results, Bastianini remained hopeful, focused on the lessons learned and potential progress ahead.
Strategic Adjustments Guided by Dani Pedrosa Aim to Address Persistent Issues
After Misano, Bastianini left with specific plans to combat the persistent vibrations and to improve traction on corner exits—two key factors affecting his performance. Throughout this process, he received valuable advice from MotoGP veteran Dani Pedrosa, who has been closely monitoring the situation from the sidelines. Bastianini praised Pedrosa’s detailed observations, saying,
“He has an impressive eye for detail,”
Enea Bastianini remarked.
“His input can be incredibly helpful, especially when he shares what he sees from the track.”
Optimism Builds Ahead of Motegi as Bastianini Eyes Better Bike Compatibility
Despite the setbacks in Misano, Bastianini looks forward to the upcoming race in Motegi, Japan, scheduled from September 26 to 28, with renewed confidence. He believes the characteristics of the Japanese circuit may offer a better match for his KTM bike, increasing his chances of a stronger finish.
Image of: MotoGP
“I believe Japan could be a track where our KTM performs well,”
he stated, hopeful that the new environment will be more favorable.
Adjusting to New Team Dynamics Without Regular Technician Giribuola
Bastianini also acknowledged the challenge of adapting to changes within his support team, particularly the absence of his usual technician, Giribuola. He described the current situation as a learning phase working with a crew member new to this specific role.
“It’s a new dynamic for me, working with someone who’s been in the box but hasn’t taken on this specific role before. It’s a learning curve, and while we may have lost a bit of time, I don’t think Giribuola’s presence would have drastically changed the outcome. We were bound to face challenges regardless.”
Testing Results Highlight Progress and Set the Stage for Japan Race
As the testing concluded, Bastianini emphasized the incremental improvements made in reducing bike vibrations and boosting corner exit speeds. He sees these changes as positive steps toward better performance.
“We made some adjustments today that could help reduce vibrations going forward and improve my corner exit speed. It’s a step in the right direction,”
he said, showing cautious optimism about what lies ahead.
While further tire testing with Pirelli was scheduled, Bastianini chose to rest before fully preparing for the Motegi race weekend.
“Honestly, I won’t be coming back tomorrow. I’ve had enough for now! We can discuss everything when we get to Japan,”
he commented, signaling a temporary pause before regrouping with his team.
Looking Forward: Lessons from Misano and Pedrosa’s Guidance Fuel Future Ambitions
With the insights gained from Misano and ongoing support from experienced figures like Dani Pedrosa, Enea Bastianini and his Tech3 KTM crew are focusing on overcoming current difficulties. Their goal is to transform these challenges into a breakthrough performance in Japan that could significantly impact the remainder of the MotoGP season.
