Enea Bastianini, the four-time grand prix winner, joined the factory Ducati squad for the 2023 season after his impressive performances in 2022 with Gresini Racing. However, this year has been challenging for Bastianini, who has struggled with injuries and adapting to the new bike. While Bastianini’s teammate, Jorge Martin, has been performing well and is just 11 points behind championship leader Francesco Bagnaia, there have been rumors of a potential swap between the two riders for the 2024 season. These speculations have undoubtedly affected Bastianini’s focus on improving his own form.
Bastianini acknowledges that this season has been disastrous for him. He attributes part of his struggles to bad luck, having suffered a broken shoulder in a sprint collision earlier in the year. Despite his potential, Bastianini recognizes that sometimes pushing too hard can be detrimental, and he needs to find a balance in order to achieve his goals. He is determined to make a comeback and understands the areas he needs to work on to improve his performance.
In the recent Malaysian Grand Prix, Bastianini has shown promising signs of improvement. Qualifying third and finishing fourth in the sprint race, he has had his best weekend since the previous year’s Malaysian GP. One significant change he made to his setup was using a thumb-operated rear brake, which improved his corner-entry on the 2023-spec Ducati. Additionally, adjustments to the bike’s engine braking settings have aided him in finding a breakthrough in his form. These changes have allowed Bastianini to better control his bike and address his struggles with braking, a major issue he faced throughout the season.
Racing in a highly competitive field comes with its own set of challenges. Bastianini highlights the difficulties of overtaking other riders, especially when braking late into corners. Despite being involved in intense battles with his competitors, Bastianini chose not to take advantage of opportunities to overtake Francesco Bagnaia in the sprint race, considering his teammate’s championship situation. This decision not only prioritized the team’s interests but also ensured his own safety on the track.
Bastianini’s strong performance in the Malaysian Grand Prix has provided a glimmer of hope for his future with Ducati. By identifying and addressing the issues with his riding style, he has demonstrated his ability to adapt and learn from his mistakes. While rumors of a potential swap with Jorge Martin for the 2024 season persist, there is still a chance for Bastianini to prove himself and secure his place in the team.
Enea Bastianini has faced numerous challenges throughout the 2023 season, but his recent breakthrough in the Malaysian Grand Prix indicates that he is capable of bouncing back. Despite his struggles, Bastianini remains focused on improving his own form and making the necessary adjustments to his riding style. With the support of the Ducati team, he has the potential to overcome the difficult season and prove himself as a strong competitor in the future.
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