Enea Bastianini is set to make his return to MotoGP this weekend at the Brno round after missing the German Grand Prix due to emergency appendicitis surgery. This comeback marks his first race back since his forced withdrawal last weekend, as he aims to regain full fitness and rejoin the competition alongside his Tech3 KTM team.
Team cautious about Bastianini’s physical readiness
Tech3 KTM team manager Nicolas Goyon confirmed that Bastianini was discharged from the hospital recently and is focused on recovering for the upcoming race.
“Enea Bastianini was released from hospital last weekend, and he is now fully focused on getting back to full shape for this weekend,”
Goyon remarked. The team will carefully assess his physical condition before allowing him to resume his campaign.
“We will of course have to understand his physical condition, and if all the lights are green, he will carry on the job initiated in Mugello and Assen,”
Goyon added, emphasizing the importance of a measured approach to Bastianini’s return.
Impact of teammate injuries on the Tech3 KTM lineup
Bastianini did not participate in the German Grand Prix, and his absence was compounded by teammate Maverick Vinales sustaining an injury during wet qualifying. As a result, no Tech3 KTM riders competed in that round. With Vinales still recovering from surgery, Bastianini is scheduled to race alongside KTM test rider Pol Espargaro at Brno, marking the first time since 2020 that the Czech Republic event will feature full Tech3 representation.
Enea Bastianini’s mindset ahead of his Brno return
Bastianini expressed relief at his improved condition and enthusiasm for the upcoming weekend. “I feel much better!” he stated. He admitted that his recovery was difficult but necessary to be ready for Brno.
“It was really tough for me to remain in bed for so long and unable to join the team at the German Grand Prix, but I gave myself the time to recover properly in order to arrive in Brno in good shape,”
he explained.
He also shared his excitement to reconnect with his team and the challenge of racing at Brno, which will be new for him in MotoGP.
“It is going to be interesting to see how we manage the weekend!”
Additional rider updates shape the Brno grid
Alongside Bastianini’s comeback, several rider substitutions are in place. LCR Honda’s Somkiat Chantra has been replaced by Takaaki Nakagami, and VR46’s Franco Morbidelli remains uncertain after shoulder surgery following the Sprint race. These changes contribute to an evolving lineup for the Czech Grand Prix weekend.
KTM holds positive memories of Brno, having secured their first premier-class victory there in 2020 with Brad Binder aboard the RC16. This history adds to the anticipation surrounding Bastianini’s MotoGP return and the overall competition at the circuit.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. Unfortunately, entertainment tends to attract more attention than sports, and MotoGP is trying to capitalize on this trend. However, it currently lacks the interesting personalities needed to make it more exciting.
Q. Why isn’t MotoGP popular?
A. Motorcycling isn’t as popular as football. Most people, around 90%, don’t feel a strong connection to it, no matter how much Liberty Media spends promoting it.
If people were desperate for new entertainment, motorcycling might catch on. However, the reality is the opposite; there are already plenty of entertainment choices.
Q. Which is the fastest? MotoGP is faster. To give you an example. At the 2023 Misano MotoGP, the fastest lap time was 1:31.791 by Francesco Bagnaia with a top speed of 303.3 Km/h (188.46 mph) by Dani Pedrosa.
A. Yes, MotoGP bikes are typically faster than Superbike models. MotoGP is the premier class in motorcycle racing, using prototypes that advance quickly, offering high speeds and performance. In contrast, Superbikes are based on production models, meaning they do not reach the same level of speed and technology as MotoGP machines.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is well-known for being the only World Champion in both motorcycle racing and Formula 1. He showed equal talent and courage in racing on both two and four wheels.
