Enea Bastianini is going through a bad patch, but Friday in Catalonia looks like a clearing. Since his return from injury at Mugello, the 2 Moto2020 world champion has experienced all the difficulties in the world getting the Ducati Desmosedici GP23 to work. A difficult situation to live with, especially when you look at the other side of the box; Pecco Bagnaia rolls through the championship with disconcerting mastery. This time, “Bestia” will be part of the Q2 group, but will also have to deal with a penalty of three places on the starting grid.
We find a relatively happy Bastianini at the end of this first Catalan day. " I am satisfied. What we found in Austria seems to work. It's a small step, not a big one, but it takes us straight to Q2. I just need to understand why I am better in the morning than in the afternoon when the temperatures are higher” he confided. To tell the truth, we have no doubt as for his killer soul ; such a competitor does not lose all his talent in such a short time. But sometimes, form is slow to return.
The FIM #MotoGP Stewards have handed @ Bestia23 a 3-place grid penalty for Sunday's race due to impeding another rider at the end of Practice ⚠️#CatalanGP 🏁 pic.twitter.com/eoM9GXTP7I
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) September 1, 2023
Also, it involves small details, which, cumulatively, make the difference. « I ride more relaxed and I have improved on the brakes. This is where I struggled, but actually, it’s a strength on this bike” added the Ducati official. Since his return, Enea has complained about going into curves and braking phases; he seems to have put his finger on the problem.
However, he later received a penalty for obstructing Pol Espargaró at the end of Practice. The Italian will have to move back three places on the grid, regardless of his result in Q2. No favors here, as it's easy to get trapped in the first chicane, and that can have disastrous consequences. Doing well in your qualifying session is one of the keys to performing well in Barcelona.
Do you think he can overcome this difficulty? Tell us in the comments!
Practice result at the 2023 MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
