Enea Bastianini Opens Up On Austrian MotoGP Struggles

Saajan Jogia | Aug 18, 2024

Apr 13, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Enea Bastianini (23) of Italy and Ducati Lenovo Team rides during the qualifying session for the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Ducati Lenovo Team rider Enea Bastianini, who showcased exceptional tire conservation to win at Silverstone, was unable to replicate that mastery at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. Despite this, the Italian rider mounted an impressive recovery, moving from a P7 start to secure a podium finish in third place.

While it was expected that Bastianini would display his tire conservation skills in Austria, various factors held him back during the race, causing his teammate Francesco Bagnaia to win by a staggering seven seconds from him, followed by Jorge Martin in second place.

The 26-year-old rider noted that the Red Bull Ring differs significantly from Silverstone, particularly due to its numerous braking zones, which led to increased acceleration and consequently greater tire wear. Speaking to the media in the post-race press conference, Bastianini said:

“This time, this moment didn’t arrive, because this track is not like the usual tracks. It’s strange because we have to brake many times, and also a lot of braking straight.

“When you have to do one acceleration, you spin like the other riders, you can’t do anything to save a bit the tire. I was only happy to be on the third place today.”

Considering his performance at the British MotoGP round, he was asked about the difference in performance between the two races, and if Bagnaia and Martin were doing something better than him. He answered:

“I think it’s difficult to say this, because these two riders are so different, their riding styles are so different.

“Pecco, sometimes has an incredible braking point, sometimes he can brake much later than the other riders of Ducati.

“Jorge is incredible sometimes in the middle of the corner, he has a lot of speed and sometimes with less angle, it’s strange.

“I think sometimes I have a mix of this and I can fight with these two riders, but sometimes I have suffered, like today, and I’m a bit behind.”

However, Bastianini emphasized that he was happy with the third-place finish, especially after suffering from a challenging front end on his Ducati on Friday during practice. He said:

“At the end, we have saved a bit the weekend because I have suffered a lot from Friday, a lot with the front, especially on entry.

“Today for the race it was a bit better, also the start was not bad, I was in third place after the first corner. This has helped me a bit for the race.

“After [the start] my pace was not like Pecco and Jorge today, but after this difficult condition in that Grand Prix, we can be happy.”