During the recent MotoGP tests in Buriram, Thailand, Enea Bastianini revealed the difficulties his Tech3 team is encountering, dampening hopes for a top 5 finish this season. While KTM’s official squad, including rising star Acosta, impressed with their pace, Bastianini’s team ended the sessions in 18th position, signaling significant struggles ahead.
Bastianini Reflects on a Tough Testing Experience
The rider described his weekend as far from ideal, sharing that although he felt strong and confident in Malaysia, the situation in Thailand felt like a repeat of past challenges. Despite attempts to improve his setup, including reverting to a more basic configuration, consistent progress remained elusive. He noted,
“This weekend was far from smooth,”
and later added,
“In Malaysia, I felt confident and was riding well, but here, it’s been a different story—much like last year.”
On the final day, Bastianini introduced a new frame that helped him achieve quicker lap times, but he conceded,
“The last day, I switched to a new frame and managed to clock in some faster laps, but overall, we’re just not where we need to be.”
Assessing the Gap to the Front Runners
Bastianini’s analysis highlighted a significant performance deficit compared to his competitors. He admitted,
“We’re still too far off the pace to realistically contend for a top 5 finish,”
underlining the uphill battle facing the Tech3 outfit. Pointing to the stark contrast in speed, he said,
“I compared my pace against my competitors, and the results were telling. We have a mountain to climb.”
Differences in Machinery and Team Consistency
When discussing the machines on the grid, Bastianini observed more consistency among KTM riders this year but noted that Maverick Viñales appears to be pursuing a distinct setup approach. He remarked,
“Last year, we were all heading in different directions. This time, there’s greater consistency, except for Vinales, who seems to be on a different setup altogether. It’ll be interesting to see how he progresses.”
Temperature and Track Difficulties at Buriram
Looking toward upcoming tests, Bastianini expressed a preference for Qatar’s conditions over Thailand’s intense heat, citing the 37°C temperatures in Buriram as a factor complicating his team’s performance. He explained,
“Starting in Thailand with temperatures soaring to 37°C is tough. Qatar would be a better option for us, especially if we can acclimate and return to Thailand after a few days.”
He identified specific parts of the Buriram circuit causing difficulty, particularly the bike’s instability at certain corners.
“The critical sections for me are turn 4, the final sector, and turn 11. I struggle with the bike’s stability, particularly on the curbs. It’s difficult to push to the limit when the bike feels so unpredictable,”
Bastianini noted.
Physical Demands and Tire Concerns Despite New Frame
The new frame brought some improvement in handling tire wear, a long-standing KTM issue, but Bastianini remained cautious about the bike’s overall physical demands.
“While there’s been some progress, this bike is still a physical challenge compared to what I rode at the end of last season. It’s definitely demanding,”
he said, reflecting on the endurance required for the season ahead.
Outlook for the Upcoming MotoGP Season
Despite the setbacks, Bastianini’s outlook remains cautiously hopeful as the season nears. He contrasted his confidence in Malaysia with Thailand’s testing struggles, stating,
“I was very optimistic coming out of Malaysia, but here, I feel like something is missing. Just like in 2025, we struggled on this track. However, my final run was encouraging, and hopefully, it gives us an edge as we head into the race weekend.”
As the MotoGP battle intensifies, all attention will be on Bastianini and the Tech3 team to see if they can overcome these early difficulties and elevate their performance during the championship fight. The challenges are significant, but the determination to improve remains strong as the season begins.
