Enea Bastianini’s MotoGP struggle took another hit during the recent practice sessions in Mandalika, where he continued to battle performance setbacks that have kept him far from competing near the podium. The Tech3 rider ended Friday’s first free practice in a disappointing 18th place and only improved slightly to 15th in the pre-qualifying rounds. With limited time remaining and fierce competition around him, Bastianini’s hopes are fading as he finds himself well outside the top 10.
Rear Grip Issues and Repeated Crashes Undermine Confidence
Reflecting on his difficulties in Mandalika, Bastianini described his struggle with tire grip, especially on the medium tires during the opening laps. The low rear grip made it dangerous to push his bike to the limits.
The grip was so poor that being on the track felt perilous. Although conditions improved later, I fell in the afternoon, and this has become a frequent issue for me on Fridays and Saturdays,
he said, expressing the mounting frustration caused by recurring crashes that have hindered his ability to build momentum.
This pattern of slipping repeatedly on softer tires reveals a troubling trend for the rider.
I can’t push, and the moment I do with the softer tire, I end up on the ground. This is happening repeatedly across all circuits. I’m not typically a rider who slips often, but lately, it feels like I’m just collecting gravel.
These struggles have played a significant role in his recent lackluster season.
Setbacks Persist Despite Efforts to Regain Form
Bastianini’s difficulties trace back to the beginning of the season when illness affected his early races. Although he initially believed he had overcome those challenges, the problems reappeared after Misano, preventing him from regaining confidence on the bike.
To be honest, the early races were incredibly tough. After recovering from illness, I thought I’d turned a corner, but since Misano, the same issues have resurfaced. I can’t seem to find the confidence I need.
Even while managing competitive lap times in the low 1:31 range on medium tires, Bastianini feels restricted by his inability to push beyond a certain threshold without crashing.
I stay consistent compared to my rivals, but I simply can’t risk pushing any further without going down,
he admitted, highlighting the tightrope act between speed and safety that currently confines his performance.
Technical Struggles on the Indonesian Track
On the demanding Indonesian circuit, the KTM rider provided insight into specific handling difficulties, pointing out problems with weight transfer and front-end stability.
I manage to tackle the first sector well, but in the other sectors, I struggle to transfer weight effectively, and the front end just closes on me. It’s a complete mess.
These technical issues add another layer of challenge as he fights to recover form and remain competitive under intense pressure.
Outlook: Battling to Rebuild Confidence Amid Tough Competition
Bastianini’s ongoing MotoGP struggles come at a pivotal time in the season, raising concerns about whether he can regain the confidence necessary to return to top form. His injuries and setbacks have shaken his rhythm, making each weekend almost a fresh battle for redemption. As fans and teams watch closely, the coming races will be crucial in determining if this talented rider can overcome his current difficulties and rejoin the frontrunners in the championship race.
