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Between the two litigants there are also third parties, and in the challenge for the 2024 title, Enea Bastianini is certainly one of the protagonists who in these last stages of the championship will be able to act as a deciding factor, having the chance to take away precious points from the two contenders. The Rimini rider concluded a satisfactory first day of free practice at the Buriram circuit in Thailand with the third best time, squeezed right between the Ducatis of Martin and Bagnaia. The braking sensations still do not seem to be perfect, according to the rider, but the competitiveness is there and expectations therefore remain high for a weekend in which the gaps are very close and unusual rivals among other manufacturers such as Aprilia and KTM are also appearing.
"It was a pretty good start to the weekend - Enea began - we did not get off to a great start, this morning the sensations were not optimal, similar to last year, I could not find references for strong braking. In the afternoon instead we improved, too bad for the crash during the session but it didn't affect us. Even in the time attack we were competitive, so we already have different information for tomorrow."
Where do you see room for improvement?
"Looking at the performance of the other Ducati riders we will certainly be able to find margins, because braking needs to be improved, which on this track is crucial. We also need to improve the front feeling, it closed in a lot for me compared to the other riders according to the data. It's a situation that has happened to me often in my career so I hope to find a solution tomorrow before qualifying."
Who do you see among the main rivals this weekend?
"We are always all there, Jorge, Marc and Pecco are always competitive, but there could be some surprises. I also saw Aprilia and KTM close and I didn't expect that."
After this first day of free practice what expectations do you have?
"If you had asked me this week I would have told you I was aiming to be fourth in the leading group, but overall I think I can aspire to the podium. It's hard to make predictions, in my opinion there is still a lot of work to be done in the next two days. I will try to bring home a podium as early as the Sprint, while for Sunday's race I will try something more."
Is Buriram a circuit where we will see a lot of overtaking?
"It will not be easy to overtake, as on all hot tracks if you warm up the front tire you are done. That's also why it will be important to start and stay in front. So yes, there will be overtaking but it will be better to be in front."
According to the times you are all close, do you think it is difficult for someone to break away and go?
"In my opinion it is possible maybe in the long race, but at the moment we are all there so in the sprint for sure it won't happen."
