Bastianini wants to be more “explosive” on track in post-Ducati MotoGP years

Enea Bastianini feels he needs to be more “explosive” on track after ending a four-year stint with Ducati in MotoGP.

Bastianini has been associated with Ducati in his entire premier class career, but is parting ways with the Borgo Panigale marque at the end of 2024 to start a new chapter with Tech 3 KTM.

The Italian rider impressed with his speed and skills on satellite machinery in 2021-22, earning himself a promotion to the factory Ducati squad for the following season.

However, long injury layoffs plagued his first campaign with the team in 2023 and, although he did win two grands prix this year, he ultimately finished fourth in the championship behind Marc Marquez on the old GP23 bike.

Bastianini said he was satisfied with his time at Ducati, but lacked the edge he felt he needed in order to mix with the frontrunners on a more regular basis.

Asked to mention his favourite moments with Ducati, he said: “Not from the ’23 [season]. But for the rest [it was good]. 

“Every year gave me some different motivation, starting from 2021 with Avintia, [a] very difficult bike. But in Misano I brought it to the podium in consecutive races. 

“I won for the first time in the first race with Gresini in Qatar and [2022] also has been a fantastic championship for me, probably the best one. 

“2023, [there were] no [memorable moments]. In 2024 [there was] much consistency [compared to 2023], every time on the front fighting for something good. But I felt something, I was without the explosivity. I have to try to be more explosive for the future. 

“But for the rest, I’m satisfied about these four consecutive years with Ducati.”

Famous for his incredible late-race pace, Bastianini finished on the podium in nine of the 20 grands prix, while also scoring two additional victories in the sprints.

However, he often struggled in qualifying during the year, leaving him with too much ground to make in the races. Although he did achieve pole in the Portuguese GP, his average starting grid position was just 6.6.

The 26-year-old admitted he needed to be more consistent in order to fight for the title this year, but feels he has the potential to perform better in the coming seasons.

“Probably my potential is really close to Pecco’s and Jorge’s,” he said in reference to 2024 team-mate Francesco Bagnaia and champion Jorge Martin. “But for many…