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The Barcelona weekend will be a particularly important one for Enea Bastianini, Marc Marquez, and Jorge Martin who are vying for the role as Francesco Bagnaia's teammate on the official Ducati team in 2025. A position that the the Rimini-born rider hopes to hold on to, despite the tough competition.
"I know that this is probably the most difficult decision for Ducati because, right now, we're the top four riders in the championship standings, and Pecco already has a contract. It could be a difficult choice, but my bike isn't bad at the moment. Ducati is very fast on all the tracks and has improved since last year. We have something more every season, and I'd like to be an official rider next year as well, but I also know the speed of riders like Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez. It's going to be difficult, but I'm confident to stay here," the Beast commented during the usual Thursday press conference.
Although he hasn't hidden his desire to want to continue with the Borgo Panigale constructor, Bastianini also doesn't disdain the idea of filling the spot that will remain vacant in Aprilia after Aleix Espargaró retires.
"As with Marc and Jorge, Aprilia could be an option for the future. It's a good constructor and that has progressed a lot in the last five years. It could be a good option, but we'll see. We'll have to wait a little longer," Enea said.
In order to secure the best spot for next year, Bastianini will try to give it his all in Catalunya, on a track where he has excellent memories in the minor categories, but on which he's had two particularly troubled editions in recent years.
"I have not been very lucky here in the last two seasons. I remember I fell in 2022, while I made a big mistake in the first corner last year and fell again along with other riders. Let's see how it'll go this year, Hopefully better," he commented. "It's a very strange race, with a very low grip level. Having a good foundation for the set-up is important to work well, but we'll see."
