Enea Bastianini expressed clear frustration after the Aragón test results failed to meet his expectations, revealing ongoing difficulties in becoming competitive with KTM. The Italian rider openly recognized that the test at Motorland did not yield the results he hoped for, signaling continued challenges in adapting to his new machine.
Challenges in Matching Teammate’s Pace Highlighted
Despite KTM’s efforts to develop the bike, Bastianini admitted the current setup does not suit his riding style. His teammate, Maverick Viñales, secured first place at the test, underlining the contrast between their performances. This disparity places extra pressure on Bastianini, who finished in 16th position, far behind Viñales.
“In general, I expected much more. The manufacturer is working hard, but what it brings doesn’t adapt to my needs,”
Bastianini stated candidly, underscoring his struggles with finding the right balance on the KTM machine.
Bastianini on Viñales’ Superior Performance and Its Implications
Bastianini noted that Viñales’ strong results are both inspiring and worrying for him. He suggested that Viñales probably did not use the standard tire compound for his fast lap, but still highlighted how well the Spaniard manages the RC16.
“Surely he didn’t set his time with the standard compound, because it was black. But he feels good with this RC16 and, when he has to push, he achieves it,”
Bastianini observed, pointing to the growing gap between the two teammates.
Pressure Mounts as Struggles with KTM Persist
The difference in performance at a critical stage in Bastianini’s tenure with KTM raises questions about his ability to align with the team’s philosophy and technical demands. His continued struggle to unlock the potential of the KTM bike threatens to stall his progression, especially as Viñales extracts impressive results on the same machinery.
With the Aragón tests highlighting the challenge ahead, Bastianini faces significant pressure to improve and find a setup that suits his riding style, which remains elusive despite ongoing development efforts by KTM.
