Bastianini Rises to Eighth Place with Increased Confidence

MotoGP At the Aragon Grand Prix, Enea Bastianini started from 16th place but made a strong climb, finishing in ninth place. The Italian rider expressed that he felt comfortable, noting that the motorcycle utilized its potential better, especially during the second half of the race, and that there was not a long time gap.

Bastianini stated that he was satisfied with the performance of his KTM motorcycle following the changes made before the race. When asked about developments regarding increased engine RPMs starting from Misano, he laughed and said, "I am not saying anything anymore. If it happens, I will be happy." The Italian rider said that the current engine was already powerful and that the performance was one of the areas where they could not complain.

Acosta’s Performance and Corner Entry Difference

One of the most striking points of the race was Pedro Acosta’s performance. Bastianini stated that he observed his KTM teammate’s riding data and saw that Acosta was particularly strong during corner entries.

“Pedro rode very well. I looked at the data and he was really strong. He managed to bring together all the components, especially. It was clear he was riding with too much confidence. You immediately notice when a rider rides well and is confident. I think that was the difference-maker. What he did today is really difficult, not easy.”

Bastianini believes that the biggest difference between Acosta and himself was during the corner entry. The Italian rider expressed that he is trying to rediscover one of his strongest attributes from the past.

“At the corner entry. That is where he creates the difference, and that is something I haven’t been able to do well regarding lap times. I lost some of my strength in the corner entry. This is one of the attributes I haven’t been able to rediscover since I arrived here. But we are working to find it, and we are doing everything.”

Bastianini said that the two riders have different riding styles but they are trying to analyze the data to understand where the KTM teammate gains an advantage.

“I am not talking about following Pedro’s actions because we have two different riding styles. But of course, you look at the data and try to understand where he creates the difference.”

Difference in the Braking Phase

Bastianini explained that the problem during the corner entry was related to the confidence placed on the front tire, and that Acosta showed a different approach during the braking phase.

“The confidence placed on the front is definitely part of it. But being able to release the brakes is also important. For me, this is not easy right now. When I compared myself with Pedro, I saw that I held the brakes until the end of the corner entry and then immediately went to the throttle. He, however, has a phase where he releases the brakes and allows the motorcycle to turn freely. He is really good at this.”

Bastianini stated that the ninth place in Aragon gave him important confidence before Misano, and he wants to carry the positive data gained during the race into the next part of the season.

“Maybe I needed it. I definitely think I needed it. I believe that the work we did today will accompany us.”

Figures

• Aragon GP: Length 5.08 km, lap record 1:46.069.