Even if he remains mathematically in the race for the MotoGP World Championship title, 42 points behind his future teammate Francis Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), the task proves almost impossible for Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP).
However, the Rimini driver is only 15 points behindAleix Espargaró (Aprilia Racing) and hopes to steal 3rd position in the general classification from the latter. At least that's what he told journalists during the press conference ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix which takes place this weekend at the Sepang circuit.
Here are some of the topics covered…
Tell us about Australia's comeback, and could you have won the race without your problems (qualified 15th, airbag exploded, demotion to 20th position)?
« It's always difficult to say this after a race, but on the second lap I had a few jerks coming out of the last corner and my airbag exploded. It was very difficult to do this tour. Anyway, after that my feelings were pretty good. The choice to go hard at the front was the right one, I think, and I closed the gap on the last lap, and it was possible to try to get on the podium this Sunday. But, I'm really happy with my race because I've never had a good result at Phillip Island and this is my first, and we'll see what we can do next year, but I'm happy. »
Where were you particularly strong here in winter testing (when you were fastest) and can you fight for the podium on Sunday?
« When I tried the 2021 bike during the test, I remember I was really excited because the bike was very strong and it felt really good to ride here. The conditions are really difficult, physically, at the Malaysian GP. It will be really difficult but I am ready to fight with the other riders and I think it will be more difficult than the test because the other Ducati riders and the 2022 bikes took a good step after two or three races, and my results also depend on that. But, we are ready to start, and finish this season in the best way possible. »
Do you think about your chances for the championship?
« My chance is very low, but I will try to do my best and it will be important to be fast on Friday because qualifying is always the key in MotoGP™ now, and if you start behind it is difficult. Also, on this circuit it is really hot and the pressure in the tire will rise, but I will try to finish this Championship in the top 3 because I think Aleix is the closest and can be our goal.
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Do you think Bagnaia will win the Championship this weekend?
« I think Pecco has this potential because Ducati is very strong but also Pecco is really fast on this track. But it also depends on Fabio because he has to be motivated to try to win the title and I think tomorrow we will see his potential for the weekend. »
