MotoGP rider Enea Bastianini struggled throughout the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, describing it as the worst race of his career. Racing for KTM Tech3, he started from 17th on the grid and finished in the same position amid challenging, gusty conditions, emphasizing the complications that plagued his performance.
Persistent Challenges and Frustrations During the Race
Bastianini expressed deep frustration over his inability to push the bike effectively, highlighting the difficulties he faced throughout the event.
“It has been a very complicated day for me today, because I would try to do something on the bike, but nothing. It is impossible for me to push,”
he said, underlining the hurdles he encountered.
He further admitted the race was likely his personal low point in MotoGP competition.
“It has been very frustrating for me. Probably my worst race of my career from my side,”
Bastianini said.
Wrestling with the Bike and Considering Withdrawal
At multiple points during the race, Bastianini contemplated retiring due to the ongoing difficulties, but ultimately decided to complete the race to avoid disappointing his team and fans.
“I thought many times to go to the box during the race, but at the end, I closed the race for everybody, for me and for the team. But to be honest, I’m not happy for [anything].”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
He also criticized KTM’s current bike setup and electronics, calling for urgent changes to improve his future prospects with the team.
“At the moment, I’m the worst rider on the track. I think KTM needs to do something for me for my future, because like this, it’s impossible to continue, no?”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Technical Issues and Impact on Performance
Bastianini revealed specific technical troubles, including problems with the front ride height device, which remained activated throughout the first lap, hampering his ability to maneuver effectively.
“From my side, probably if today I was with the bike from when I arrived, it was better. At the end, the bike doesn’t turn, and the electronics don’t work. This is the problem.”
—Enea Bastianini, MotoGP Rider
Brad Binder Shares Similar Difficulties During the Silverstone Race
Fellow KTM rider Brad Binder also faced a challenging British GP, describing the event as “horrendous.” Starting from 19th on the grid, the South African rider finished 14th but struggled consistently with his bike’s stability.
Binder experienced constant front-end instability, which forced him to carefully manage his throttle to avoid crashes.
“That was horrendous. I have so much shaking down the straights and from corner to corner that I kept rolling the gas in the straights, which is never a good thing,”
he said, explaining his lack of confidence, particularly when riding alone.
The rider added that even at slower speeds, he narrowly avoided crashing several times.
Looking Ahead: KTM’s Path to Improvement
Binder acknowledged that their current performance level was far from ideal but remained hopeful about regaining confidence and finding solutions.
“So, a little bit tricky. I need to find some confidence again, and I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”
—Brad Binder, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Rider
Both Bastianini’s and Binder’s struggles underline the urgent technical and operational challenges KTM must address to improve results and competitiveness in upcoming races.
