I didn't understand. Enea Bastianini, competing for the second Ducati factory handlebar, has just had a cataclysmic weekend in Barcelona. I didn't remember seeing that in MotoGP, but one thing is certain: it considerably helped his employer to get a more precise idea.
It was going badly
Last week, I published an article about him, where I stated that he was one of the elements to follow in Montmelo. Firstly because this is where his 2023 season took a second bad turn, and because he had to perform to show that he too was legitimate to fight alongside Pecco Bagnaia. next year. He didn't prove me wrong, because you had to see it to believe it... but not in a good sense of the word.
“Logically” qualified in Q2 at the end of the Practice, he underperformed. In 11th place in the session, he was only ahead of a disappointing Maverick Vinales, the last Desmosedici GP24 on the grid. Yes, behind even Franco Morbidelli. At this level, the gap is edifying. He takes more than six tenths on a lap by Bagnaia, and four by Jorge Martin who ultimately only had one attempt.
His problem ? Asphalt, like many other drivers. Fortunately, in Sprint, it was a little better – without being transcendent either. He finished fifth in the short format, with, all the same, three falls in front of him and not the least. He was unable to catch fourth-placed Jorge Martin as he tried not to fall. We can't blame him because it's true that the conditions were tricky.
So far, it looked like a failed qualification, nothing more. It happens. But what followed was crazy.
A Grand Prix in the annals
During the race, Enea Bastianini only existed through her indiscipline. The international achievement is so focused on the lead and Pedro Acosta this year that we almost never saw him before his clash with Alex Marquez. The one that cost him his first long lap. No reaction from the Italian.
The penalty, in my opinion, is harsh but justified in view of the regulations. A driver who cuts a turn must let his opponent pass again and voluntarily lose time, otherwise, it is action. Bastianini cut the first chicane, but seemed able to turn anyway. Alex Marquez's pass was Marquez-esque, but within the rules. Therefore, it was much less unfair, in my opinion, than the penalty received by Di Giannantonio at Le Mans, among other examples.
Una brutta domenica, troppe cose sono andate storte e ce ne andiamo con l’amaro in bocca. When there is an event of the kind, the best thing to do is to think about what will happen: you are at Mugello, you don't see it. #CatalanGP #ForzaDucati pic.twitter.com/likOtfKuFF
- Enea Bastianini (@ Bestia23) May 26, 2024
He knowingly refused to do it. Three rounds later, a long lap is added to his count for refusal, as the rule stipulates. And then three rounds later, it's the ride-through. Again, ignored. Amazing.
In the end, he had to endure a thirty-two second penalty. Thirty two. But in my opinion, this is only the reflection of an even more serious situation. A little over a week ago, I published an article concerning the break between the drivers and the race management. In the conclusion, I wrote this: “Spencer and his teams no longer have legitimacy. What's the worst that could happen [than Zarco insulting "Fast Freddie"]? In my opinion, a pilot is assigned two long periods, and does not complete them, to protest. » I didn't have to imagine for long. This shows that the legitimacy of race management is completely undermined, or even no longer exists. A driver is capable of refusing a sanction, while being supported by his team (!) Davide Tardozzi himself tried to explain himself to the panel! What would tough, fair leadership have done? A black flag, and that's what Alex Rins received at Misano in 2015, when he didn't respect orders.
The choice is made
Honestly, and even if I love Bastianini, I don't imagine for a single moment that he will be in the same place in 2025. His Barcelona race was a disaster, not even made up for by his declarations at the finish: “I certainly could have fought for the podium” affirmed the one who could not break away from Alex Marquez, seventh, six seconds from third place. He's good at the end of races, sure, but that's hardly presumptuous, especially after flouting more or less every rule established by Freddie Spencer and his men in the space of nine laps.
The situation in the general classification is not much more glorious. He was very consistent since the start of the year – for lack of being able to go any faster. And the problem for the regulars is that they only need one failed round to get out of a title race. He is now fourth overall, 20 points behind Marc Marquez in third, and 61 of Jorge Martin, his rival for the coveted handlebars. Given the enormous performance of Marc Marquez in Catalonia, the observation is clear.
“Bestia” must be more wary of Maverick Vinales, fifth, seven points behind and still capable of good performances even if it is true that he missed out on his weekend in Barcelona. Ducati will certainly take advantage of this long month-long break between the Italian Grand Prix and Assen to announce its replacement. So Mugello constitutes, in my opinion, his last chance to shine. If and only if the choice has not already been made.
What did you think of Enea Bastianini's behavior in Catalonia? Tell us in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport