Italian motorcycle racer Enea Bastianini faced significant difficulties during his first season with KTM in 2025, struggling to adapt to the RC-16 bike amid intense competition and team instability. Despite some standout moments, his mental struggles throughout the year marked a challenging period as he worked to regain confidence and performance.
Key Difficulties and Crew Changes Disrupt Momentum
Bastianini’s adaptation was hindered by inconsistent results and the departure of his technical chief, Alberto Giribuola, which disrupted team dynamics and his usual preparation. While he showed promise with a third-place sprint finish at Brno and a podium in the long race at Montmeló, these achievements followed numerous setbacks that tested his resilience.
Reflecting on the previous season during the launch of KTM’s latest Tech3 model, Bastianini said,
“Last year was a strange season for many reasons, but we pushed hard mid-year and were in good shape,”
he explained.
“However, after the Valencia test, I realized I needed to take a break to reset my mind and focus on this new season. I’m both curious and motivated to start fresh.”
Efforts to Understand and Stabilize Performance
When discussing the performance fluctuations between the races at Brno and Barcelona, Bastianini noted they worked closely with his new technical chief to analyze the data.
“We analyzed this with my new technical chief and the team. I didn’t change the bike much during that time, and I believe we can replicate those results moving forward. Right now, my focus is on feeling good with the bike and establishing a solid base,”
he said, emphasizing his commitment to building a reliable setup.
Impact of Frequent Leadership Changes on Rider’s Mental State
The shifts in leadership—from Giribuola to Xavi Palacin and then Andrés Madrid—added complexity to Bastianini’s year, affecting his ability to maintain consistent communication.
“What happened to me last year was not normal,”
he admitted, adding,
“Changing team leaders multiple times made it hard to maintain a consistent relationship, and without a solid reference at each track, it was challenging to convey my feelings about the bike.”
These leadership changes amplified the strain on Bastianini’s mental health, leading him to publicly acknowledge the toll.
Image of: Enea Bastianini
“I was a bit tired, but not physically. I was nearly at 100%, but mentally I struggled in the latter half of the season,”
he confessed.
“I was stressed, and I’m not sure if that affected my results, but it was crucial for me to take a break and get back to my life.”
New Partnerships Inspire Optimism for 2026
Bastianini expressed positive sentiments regarding his partnership with his new chief mechanic Andrés Madrid.
“Our first contact felt similar to working with Giribuola, and despite some unfortunate weather limiting our testing, I’m proud of Andrés. He’s dedicated to my future and will give his all for me,”
he stated, highlighting the importance of stable support.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Bastianini recognized the mental exhaustion he faced but affirmed confidence in his potential and team harmony.
“In 2025, I was mentally exhausted from the situation. I constantly thought about modifying my bike to find a reference point,”
he reflected.
“But I’m not stressed; I know my potential. The team understands what I can do when everything is under control, and I’m confident that I can be faster from the start this year.”
Expectations for a Renewed Season with KTM
Bastianini remains hopeful that KTM’s adjustments will better suit his riding style, hoping to start 2026 strongly.
“I’m sure of it. I’ve mentally prepared myself differently this year, and KTM is highly motivated to provide us with the best bike possible. We have a lot to test in Malaysia, and while we may not have every piece ready, I believe we’ll be 99% prepared for the first race.”
With the shifting MotoGP landscape and heightened competition, Bastianini’s journey is closely watched by fans and competitors alike, as he aims to overcome the difficulties of 2025 and reclaim his status as a strong contender in the sport.
