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Moto3, Bastianini: "Mir? His title spurs me on for 2018"

Enea: "With Leopard I'll fight back. The future? I've thought about moving to Moto2 for two years, but I want to do so having won the Moto3 title" 

Moto3: Bastianini: "Mir? His title spurs me on for 2018"

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His inheritance is a heavy burden but he prefers not to think too much about it. Enea Bastianini readies his weapons for 2018, when he0ll be chasing the Moto3 title with team Leopard. The team has decided to put its faith in the Italian, who takes advantage of the winter break to join the traditional Christmas party at Nolan. An opportunity to review 2017 and also look ahead.

At the start of the championship, hopes were high but you only really emerged mid-season.

It was the first time I've changed and I struggled to adapt  - recalls Bastianini – with the passing of time I saw how to work with the team. In the early months I wanted to do my own thing and the team didn't know how to help – he comments – then we starting working together better and from Aragon on we were competitive”.

Now you embark on a new adventure, taking up a significant baton.

“There's always pressure and it's a good thing, as it allows you to improve – analysed the Italian - Leopard is a winning team, which will be an advantage for me”.

The title won by Mir is not a weight for him.

“Every year is different, so I don't really feel this weight, in fact, to be honest it spurs me on”.

The adventure with the team new began one month ago at Valencia, where Bastianini immediately proved he has the right confidence.

I didn't make any dramatic changes in that test. The bike was the same as it was for Mir, on day two I was even able to lap faster than the time set in qualifying”.

What struck you most about the team?

"They are a very capable group who listen, but above all they still have their feet on the ground, while rumours in the paddock say otherwise. I think this is the right team with which to fight back”.

Every year there's great expectation surrounding the Italian riders in Moto3. Then someone comes along to ruin the party.  

it's true  - admits Bastianini - in 2018 it will be complicated once again. I can see Canet running up front, Martin too. Maybe also Di Giannantonio, though his weight penalises him on a Moto3”.

The Italian remains focused on the present, but with an eye to the future and his Moto2 dream.

“I've been thinking about it for two years, but I think it's premature. The goal before making the move is to be competitive in Moto3, leaving the category with the title”.

Meanwhile, Christmas is just around the corner and Bastianini will also celebrate his birthday in just over a week. He has no doubts about what he wants to find under the tree.

“A hot babe I'd say (he smiles)” .

one last question - you're the most experienced of the current Italian Moto3 contingent. Do you feel like the driving force?

"I wouldn't know, but I hope that the experience I've gained can make the difference"    

Translated by Heather Watson
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