After experiencing what he described as “probably the worst race of my career” at the UK MotoGP, 2024 Silverstone winner Enea Bastianini reached out to KTM, urging them to take action because continuing under current conditions seemed impossible. KTM quickly responded by inviting him to Austria for aerodynamic testing ahead of the upcoming Aragon Round.
Bastianini revealed, “I will head to Austria the day before the Aragon race weekend to undergo aerodynamic tests aimed at helping me improve.” Additionally, important tests are planned for Aragon on Monday following the Exploit race. He expressed hope that KTM would provide support with fresh ideas this week. Although he enjoys Motorland, Bastianini acknowledged the need to be realistic about his current performance level, saying, “We don’t feel good on the bike and are far behind the rest, so we must take it step by step starting Friday and see how things progress. As always, I’ll keep you updated.”
Reflecting on Bastianini’s challenging weekend, Tech3 Team Manager Nicolas Goyon admitted, “Silverstone was his toughest weekend this season. We talked extensively after the race and are planning a different approach for Aragon with new ideas. Having won there in 2022, I know he can perform well on that track. We’ll do everything to bring out the true ENEA and remain optimistic while working hard.”
Meanwhile, Bastianini’s teammate Maverick Vinales also faced difficulties, dropping out of the top 10 at Silverstone, partly due to an 18th place in qualifying. Goyon commented, “Maverick struggled in the UK because they missed key moments during the weekend due to some issues. It was just an isolated bad weekend, and I trust he will regain momentum in Aragon.” Vinales plans to address the performance problems encountered in the cold, low-grip conditions of Silverstone during official Aragon testing on Monday.
Vinales emphasized the importance of starting strong from Friday, aiming to reach Q2 and secure a good grid position. He also conveyed his enthusiasm for racing at Motorland, saying, “I love racing in Spain with my family and friends around, so let’s enjoy this weekend!” Currently, Vinales is 11th in the World Championships, followed by Pedro Acosta as the top KTM rider in 9th. Brad Binder stands at 14th and Bastianini at 15th.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for racing fans because it shows how even top riders like Bastianini and Vinales face significant challenges but are supported by their teams in a constant push for improvement. Their willingness to adapt and fight back adds excitement and unpredictability to the sport, keeping fans engaged throughout the season.
