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Enea Bastianini has a smile on his face that says it all. The Gresini Racing rider ended the two days of official MotoGP tests in Sepang with the new track record and the satisfaction of heading the timesheets. The 2021 Ducati that he has at his disposal in his garage allowed him to make a quantum leap forward and with these premises his season promises to be exciting.
Enea's goal will be to emerge in the wild bunch represented by the other seven riders riding the Ducati Desmosedici GP, to aspire to take a further step and earn promotion to the factory Borgo Panigale team. A goal that these tests have shown to be within his reach.
"I didn't expect it, I knew I could be fast, but I would never have thought I was the best - said Bastianini - When I tested this bike for the first time in Jerez, I realized there was great potential. The climate in the Gresini garage is also fantastic. Here in Malaysia we have been working a lot since yesterday, we were fast right away and today we tried a time attack and I find myself in front of everyone. It's incredible for everyone, but it's still just testing. Now we’re to Mandalika, where the track is new for everyone and in my opinion that test will be more indicative ".
How did you feel when you read the time on the display?
"I was not very happy when I read the time on the display, because I went long at the first corner! A 1m57s lap was really close, it was possible to do it, but I didn't make any other attempts".
With this Ducati you have really taken off. How different is it from the 2019 bike?
"The 2021 bike is much easier than the 2019 bike. The old one gave you the feeling of having a lot of movement in each section of the track and then it shook a lot on the straight. Then the 2019 in each session seemed to be a different bike. Instead I take this one and I feel it's still the same. And? A lot more steady and faster. You can make mistakes and it stays stable. "
In what area do you still need to improve?
"When I look at the data of the other Ducati riders, I see that I have to improve in the middle of the corner. I am aggressive in the entry, but with this bike the real potential is the power of the engine and I have to be better out of the corners to take advantage of it."
And compared to the 2022 bike, what are the differences?
"At the moment it's not much different. The 2022 Ducati has a new engine, but mine is already not bad."
Could having a more proven bike be an advantage for you?
"It can be an advantage for me to have a very developed bike, but an advantage that can last two or three races. Afterwards you will see that the factory team will work hard. You know what Dall’Igna is like."
What do these tests leave you?
"It's motivating for me and for the whole team. We are determined but also relaxed. We don't have the pressure of a factory team and this is important for me to try to go faster and faster. But my goal remains to become a factory rider".
