It's time for the season debrief. As every winter for the past two years, this column analyzes each rider's campaign in detail, from the lowest-ranked to the world champion. The aim is to provide a reasoned perspective on the performance of each of our heroes, so we can all discuss it together. Are you ready for this new installment, dedicated to Enea Bastianini? Let's go!
Yesterday's episode was dedicated to Joan Mir; you can find it by clicking here.
Good and less good
This article will be a little different from the others. You probably already guessed that from the title, and that's why, Exceptionally, I will not dwell on his results.
In short, Enea Bastianini's year was not a great one. Completely lost at the start of the season, he seemed to have found the key to his KTM RC16 in the Czech Republic, with a top 3 finish in the Sprint. The positive momentum continued over the following weekends, culminating in this podium finish in Catalonia.Admittedly, getting on the podium is no longer a rare feat in MotoGP (13 different pilots succeeded in 2025), but seeing where he started from, it was unexpected.
He too suffered an injury and had to miss the German Grand Prix. Photo: Tech3
In a season marked by the departure of its chief mechanic Alberto GiribuolaThe Tech3 rider returned to troubled waters towards the end. For no apparent reason, Enea Bastianini found himself back at the rear of the grid, particularly in qualifying, where he sometimes finished in positions unworthy of his ability. His race pace was still quite good, yes, but starting from so far back, he was always forced to pull off a miracle. I won't dwell on his technical problems with the RC16, as he has already spoken extensively about them. nor even on its communication, which, while not defeatist, was only rarely optimistic. Another subject is more important.
What to expect from Enea Bastianini?
Overall, I was disappointed with his campaign, to say the least. Yes, I know that even in the last few Grands Prix, he had pace, as evidenced by that seventh place in Malaysia. But wait. Aren't we judging one of the most impactful drivers of the last ten years? Didn't I say that he had the potential to be a future legend of this sport after his exceptional 2022 season?
I'm sorry, but seeing Bastianini 14th in the championship frankly saddens me; I cannot be happy about a Sprint finish of ninth, a seventh place, or even a single podium finish for the year. I had placed him 10th in a rather pessimistic prediction, actually, and yet, he's doing much worse.We're talking about a driver who should be at the front, making a name for himself, leaving his mark. He was, in 2022, the one who threatened Pecco Bagnaia, and had, with Gresini, had a better season than Marc Marquez in 2024!
It is impossible for me to have the same standards for him as for a Maverick Vinales, for example; a rider who would undoubtedly have finished ahead of Enea in the standings if it were not for this injury in Germany. Bastianini, a year ago, was playing for victories, even winning at the highest level.This move to Tech3 must not have been easy to experience psychologically, because, factually, it represents a significant demotion.
But at the start of the season, I still thought that Bastianini, with a less powerful bike, of course, could pull off a surprise and become an interesting option for a factory team again. Ten months later, everything changedAfter a mediocre stint at Ducati, he has now missed the opportunity to show that he is indispensable.
Hungary, where he was hit by Quartararo… before sending Zarco flying in the next corner. Photo: Tech3
You are the director of a front-of-the-pack team, and you have a choice to make for 2027. With, potentially, Fabio Quartararo, Jorge Martin (depending on his second season with Aprilia), Marc Marquez (perhaps looking for one last challenge), a disgruntled Pecco Bagnaia, a very legitimate Alex Marquez, and many others on the market, Have you even considered the name Bastianini for a moment? Personally, no, especially since other very strong riders are coming: Aldeguer, Alonso, Holgado, and Quiles, from Moto3.
That's why his season is particularly sad. Bastianini is demoted, whereas just three years ago he could have aspired to any seat on the grid. Moreover, his overflowing ambition after winning the Moto2 title in 2020 clearly showed that he came to MotoGP to win championships., not to play in the top 5 a few times a year in a satellite team.
Conclusion
Bastianini will start 2026 under enormous pressure. While I think he will remain in MotoGP after next season, There's no guarantee he'll end up in a team that will be playing at the front.Even though the cards will be reshuffled with the new regulations, his stock is plummeting, and it pains me to say it because I still believe he had the best season for an outsider in modern history in 2022.
Do you share my analysis of the Enea Bastianini case? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
We must act. Immediately. Photo: Tech3
Cover photo: Tech3
