For Enea Bastianini, the 2025 season ends on a sour note. The KTM Tech3 rider finished the Valencia test day in a modest 17th place, hampered by difficult track conditions and limited running time that derailed his program. As a result, the “Bestia” leaves with more questions than answers—and a crucial test already scheduled for Sepang in early February.
« I was hoping for better… "The tone is set. The Rimini driver makes no attempt to hide his frustration: I was hoping for better, but we only had three and a half hours. Some things went well, others didn't. »
The priorities for the day were clear: to decide between different elements for the 2026 season, to refine the riding position, and above all to get to the heart of the setup. But nothing went as planned.
Bastianini describes a scenario behind closed doors: several prototypes tested, chassis and ergonomic options, but no real setup work.
« I wasn't able to work on the settings, which was crucial. We were stuck on the same lap times »
In other words: impossible to understand the motorcycle, impossible to progress, impossible to dispel doubts.
Enea Bastianini: “ I wasn't able to work on the settings, which was crucial. »
The only bright spot of the day: ergonomics. The saddle is more ergonomic Not exactly the technological advancement he was hoping for…
bastianini He almost breathed a sigh of relief at the thought that this chaotic season was behind him:
« I'm glad to have finished this 2025 seasonI'm finishing it knowing what awaits me next year; I would have liked to finish later. »
The phrase carries significant meaning: he would have needed more time, more driving, more answers.
The message is clear: Valencia is only postponing the real work. Sepang will be a crucial testI will have to work very hard and make the most of these three days. »
The difference compared to the 2025 off-season? This time, bastianini knows the KTMHe knows better where to look, what to ask, how to guide Tech3.
« We know the motorcycle better, and I know better how to advise the team to improve it. »
2026 is shaping up to be the last chance year for the duo. Bastianini-Tech3Either they finally find common ground on technical matters, or a split seems inevitable. In the meantime, the Italian joins the long list of drivers KTM sacrificed on the altar of chaotic development.
MotoGPValencia Test: times
