Enea Bastianini is ready to roar his KTM RC16 into Jerez, a circuit where he already shone with a top-5 finish last year. The Italian, in the midst of adapting to his new ride, is making rapid progress. Lap after lap, he's gaining in confidence, often finishing his weekends with solid races, even from the back of the grid. But the number 23 has a clear objective: to nail a fast lap in qualifying to get closer to the top dogs and play spoilsport at the front. Jerez is the perfect opportunity!
Enea Bastianini landed at Jerez with clear ambitions: to confirm his rise in power on the KTM RC16 and to improve on a fast lap, his Achilles heel since the start of the season. If the Italian rider of the team Red Bull KTM Tech3 hasn't yet exploded in the rankings, he regularly scores points, and above all, he finishes strongly. But in his eyes, that's no longer enough.
« We have made great progress during the last round in Qatar, which I can't wait to exploit this weekend in Jerez »Says bastianini. " We were able to understand the potential of the bike with Maverick's performance in the last round, so This gives me confidence that we can reach that point too »
The message is clear: the turning point is near. And bastianini, often discreet but effective, now wants to go on the attack. Since the start of the season, the number 23 has still struggled to express his full talent on a flying lap, which forces him to come back from the back of the pack in the race. A scenario that has become almost routine, but which inevitably limits his ambitions against the Ducati, Aprilia ou Honda et Yamaha well placed from the start.
« We'll see how we feel on Friday, and go from there for the rest of the weekend. " he explains cautiously. He knows that the circuit of Jerez may suit him – he had a top 5 finish there last year – and that the feeling with the KTM progresses from race to race.
Enea Bastianini: “ Monday's tests will also be important »
Le Spanish Grand Prix will not be the only opportunity to progress. The test MotoGP scheduled for Monday after the race in Jerez will be capital, and bastianini awaits it with some impatience.
« Monday's tests will also be important. We will have more time to focus on the details that we don't have time to work on during race weekends. He said. " So I'm curious to be present at the trials. »
The team manager Nicolas Goyon He also remains optimistic and underlines the constant progress of his Italian driver: “ Enea Bastianini continues to follow his adaptation to the KTM, and I am convinced that he will make a big step forward when we start European racing “, he assures. “ Monday's test will be a great opportunity for Maverick and Enea to try out different setups and take a step further on the RC16 »
After the promises seen in Qatar, the duo KTM Tech3 arrives in Jerez with new certainties. And if Maverick Vinales has already signed a resounding podium, bastianini seems ready to follow suit. The moment of truth is approaching.
