With a 2022 season to remember, Enea Bastianini approaches 2023 with renewed determination. In search of performance, the KTM rider shines during testing in Malaysia, aiming to erase doubts and restore his reputation. His progress seems tangible, but is it enough to compete with the top contenders in the competition?
A Turbulent Season in the Background
Last season was a true obstacle course for Enea Bastianini, who shared a mixed record with his teammate Brad Binder within the KTM team. Despite a promising summer break, the Italian struggled to adapt to the Austrian machine. This start to the year thus represents a new chance for him to put behind the accumulated difficulties and start on better footing.
Promising Tests in Malaysia
The recent tests conducted in Malaysia were a decisive first step in this process. “One of the main objectives for Enea was to gain confidence with his new team leader, Andres [Madrid], and that has clearly been the case,” says Nicolas Goyon, the team manager of Tech3. Over these three days, Bastianini completed more than 120 laps, allowing for an evaluation of the entire development program.
The adjustments made to his position on the bike have paid off. “He now feels very comfortable and in control,” adds Goyon, highlighting the importance of this regained comfort. For Bastianini, these tests were an opportunity to validate notable improvements, particularly on the 2026 version of the KTM, which aims to address the vibration and stability issues that had troubled him the previous year.
Consistency and Comfort on the Agenda
The rider does not hide his satisfaction with the progress made: “I felt more comfortable in riding, and I managed to be consistent in terms of race pace,” he confides. This consistency is crucial for a MotoGP rider, and it is true that returning to the track after a break can be a real headache. Bastianini admits to having worked intensively on this aspect during the tests, and it seems to have paid off.
Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3)
With a time of 1’57″290, he ranks 11th over the three days, just 0″164 behind Maverick Viñales, the fastest in the KTM group. While the rider sees the glass as half full, he is also aware that the gap with the leaders is still significant: “I lowered my time by almost a second compared to my qualifying last year, so I think I can be happy,” he specifies.
Ongoing Challenges
However, Bastianini does not hesitate to point out areas for improvement. “It is clear that our opponents are seasoned and very fast; there are still some brands that are doing better than us,” he admits. The competition in the paddock is fierce, and the rider knows he must intensify his efforts to catch up. “We saw laps in 1’56 and for us, it was difficult to achieve,” he notes, concerned about closing this gap.
Still Some Vibrations to Correct
Despite undeniable progress, Bastianini has identified several areas for improvement. “I think we lack turning, which is one of the keys to achieving a good time,” he analyzes. He also encountered difficulties during sprint simulations due to vibrations at the rear, a situation that disrupted his riding. “I had a lot of vibrations and chattering at the front,” he explains, aware that these details can make all the difference during races.
For Bastianini, evaluating the new chassis during the upcoming tests in Thailand will be crucial. “It is important that Brad and I test it as well,” he emphasizes, aware that opinions differ within the team regarding this new part. This will be a decisive opportunity to fine-tune the settings before the start of the season.
A Promising but Demanding Future
While Enea Bastianini seems to have found a new lease on life with KTM, he remains realistic about the challenges ahead. The competition is tougher than ever, and every detail counts. His progress during the tests is encouraging, but he will need to continue working hard to turn these promises into concrete results on the track. A beautiful adventure awaits the Italian rider, who hopes to turn the page on a difficult season to fully embrace his potential.
