Enea Bastianini staged a remarkable comeback on Sunday at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia . After a disastrous Sprint the previous day , the Italian rider managed to recover and secure a solid fifth place. Despite a particularly aggressive start to the race, the Rimini native had to battle fiercely with a stubborn front end throughout the laps before finally receiving a small advantage in the closing laps.
A spectacular launch prepared overnight in Malaysia
Determined to avoid the same pitfalls as in the short race, the Italian rider and his team found some effective adjustments to tackle the opening meters with authority. " We worked on it all night to try something different . I'd already had a better start in the morning warm-up. We were able to confirm that in the race. It was a bit risky to brake on the kerbs at the first corner, but it was the only way to get to the front right from the start ," he told GPOne.
A beastly battle between @johannzarco1 and @bestia23 🔥 #MalaysianGP 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/Y5YnuH4EYd
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) November 1, 2026
A contact with Ogura and a tricky front end
Despite that blistering start, the race was once again marred by incidents and recurring technical issues with the front of his bike. “ I was third at the sixth corner, but Ai Ogura braked a bit too late and we both had to run wide . I lost a few places and tried to stay with him. But it wasn't easy because of problems with the front tire, just like on Saturday. I struggled a lot during the race because of it. I felt like I was close to going off the track about twenty times. But we have to be satisfied . We did a good job because after yesterday, I didn't think I could have such a good race today. ”
Bezzecchi’s gift appreciated with measure by Enea Bastianini
Taking advantage of a rival's lapse in concentration in the final moments of the race to gain an extra place, the Italian accepted the result with clear-headed pragmatism. "It's a gift. But whether it's sixth or fifth place, it doesn't change much. Third place would have been better." A positive reaction that nonetheless allows him to approach the end of the season with renewed confidence.
Do you think Enea Bastianini can aim for the podium in the next round after this performance in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments!
Results of the Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix:
Ranking credit: MotoGP.com
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
