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Qatar left a bitter aftertaste in Enea Bastianini’s mouth, as he was forced to console himself with a 5th place behind Marc Marquez’s Ducati. The rider from Romagna had other ambitions, but all he was able to do was take the hit on Sunday when Pecco Bagnaia shone.
“I don’t think I managed the race well today,” Enea admitted. “During the first laps, I kept a lower pace, as I thought about saving the tires for the end of the race. But it wasn’t a good decision because, in the end, the tire drop was less than in yesterday’s sprint. I should’ve done my best right away, so I’m not satisfied with my race, even if a fifth place is still a good starting point, although my goal was much higher.”
It was the first race weekend with the new fairing. How did you feel?
“There are no huge differences. In terms of grip, it remained very similar, while it curves better when exiting corners as you give gas.”
Judging by the podiums this weekend, it looks like it won’t be as easy for Ducati to dominate as it did in the past.
“I believe that Ducati is still the benchmark among constructors at the moment, even if the KTM has really come very close, as Brad Binder proved today. KTM and Aprilia will be our main rivals this year.”
Did you get a chance to analyze the data of the other Ducatis? Where do Pecco and Martin make the most difference?
“They manage to be more effective on distance,” the Italian rider continued. “But I think I figured out what the reason is. Since Friday, the bike seemed different from the test, more refrained in terms of engine braking. Maybe I could try to get something from it. With my riding style, I’m very sensitive when it comes to that.”
Now it’s time to face the challenge in Portimao.
“I have unfinished business to take care of in Portimao, and I’m going to try to be more competitive. Right now, I haven’t tailored this GP24 to myself one-hundred percent, but it’s definitely better than the GP23. We’ll work towards progressing.”
