Don't look for Enea Bastianini in the provisional MotoGP general classification after the first three Grands Prix and therefore the six races contested this season. Because you won't find it. However, he is indeed engaged this year as a Ducati official. But Luca Marini, during the first Sprint event in history, took charge at Portimao of ensuring that he disappeared from the shelves for the moment, by leading him into a fall which fractured his shoulder blade. Since then, the third in the last championship has been struggling to return to competition, and if the doctors discharge him tomorrow, Thursday, it will be done to race this weekend in Jerez, as part of the Spanish Grand Prix. If he will certainly not be a candidate for victory, because he is still convalescing, the “Bestia” will at least take back the necklace. As for the title race which seems to be taking place without him, he reminds us that we are still far from the end of the campaign. So he still believes in it...
Enea Bastianini certainly does not have the start to the season that he hoped for by wearing the official colors Ducati. The one who was announced as the great rival of the World Champion Pecco Bagnaia for a head to head promised this year between two untouchable red GP23s is not even registered in the general classification, moreover led by a Marco Bezzecchi, driver of the private VR46 team on a GP22. So you should never swear about anything in MotoGP.
But in Jerez, this weekend, for the Spanish Grand Prix, the protégé of Charles Pernat intends to be remembered in the good memory of all. He spoke with Sky Sports about his situation which he begins to describe as follows: “ the latest indications are quite good. The last test was certainly much more positive than the one before Austin. I didn't hesitate. I will leave for Jerez, even if I'm not 100% ». Because the rest has lasted too long…” I can't stay at home, I want to run. I'll try to bring home some points. I would be happy to be in the ten ».
Enea Bastianini: “ I know that the right turns are going to give me enough trouble, there are a lot of them in Jerez »
He adds : " I will have to adapt again to the speed of MotoGP. The most critical part will be race management, so keep a high pace for all laps. I know the right turns are going to give me enough trouble, there are a lot of them at Jerez. Hopefully the painkillers will work so we can run peacefully. I am more confident for the sprint race than for the main race. We will see ».
During his convalescence, he had time to position himself above the fray and observe from the tranquility of his home the tumult of a particularly lively peloton this year. Here is what he says: “ I saw a very fit and very intelligent Bezzecchi. I think he has matured a lot and can be competitive for the championship. We also saw Pecco's speed, even if he made a few too many mistakes in the last period and a Very fast flushes in America, already last year he made me sweat for victory ". And nothing more outside of this trio that he wants more than anything to join: “ I'm glad to be back ».
Despite his situation in the championship, the Italian swears that he still has every chance of aiming for the world crown at stake: “ everything is still at stake, there are still a lot of points left. It's certainly not over yet, Pecco proved that last year by winning the title by 90 points from Quartararo. My priority is to get back to 100% as quickly as possible to be able to play the title. At the moment, I'm not at that level yet and so my priority is to try to feel good. The rest will follow. I am someone who always thinks about the present and not the future he concludes.
