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Enea Bastianini sports the 2025 KTM colors for the first time. On the day of the team's presentation, the Romagna rider spoke about the challenge that awaits him on the Tech3 team's RC16.
On his part there is awareness and at the same time motivation for this new chapter in his racing career, coming after years matured in Ducati.
"I'm excited for the start of this new challenge," he began, "after so many years with Ducati I'm now on a KTM and the one in Barcelona was a good start. The bike has great potential and I was surprised by the sensations found. Now I have many days ahead of me to understand it better and tailor it to my needs. We know there is a lot of work ahead of us, but we are ready."
What do you expect?
"At the moment I can't yet say what kind of work is ahead of me, but in testing we will understand and talk a lot, especially with a view to the future."
How much does it change from the Ducati?
"It is difficult to compare it to the Ducati, because its strength is different from the Desmosedici. For sure the package and the starting base are good although at the moment I don't know in which area I will have to focus more. As I said this bike is different and as a result I will have to try to adapt, knowing that it will not be easy."
In KTM you will find Giribuola again...
"This is an important point of reference for me, because he knows my style well and knows what I need. As a result, all this could be helpful in speeding up my learning process."
Is it more difficult to change crew chief or bike?
"Changing crew chief is not easy, because you have to find a good rapport and you need to be intuitive. For sure it is a plus to have Alberto back, because he is one of those who understood me right away and knows what I want. Changing the bike, on the other hand, is difficult, because at Barcelona, just to give an example, the more I tried to push, the less I obtained. I will therefore need time in order to adapt."
On a human level, how do you experience the beginning of this new chapter?
"I feel strong, prepared, aware that there will be no shortage of difficulties. I feel ready for anything for this new challenge, plus I have more experience. The important thing will be to approach it without making the mistakes of the past. In 2024 I was under question from the very beginning, and maybe it was right, as I was not at 100%. This year, on the other hand, will be a different Enea: I will have to learn certain dynamics, since I have a new bike. Inside I don't want to set any goals for myself, because it's not realistic to do so."
Have you had a chance to talk with Pedrosa?
"It's always important to compare things with test riders, as Dani is an incredible and fast rider. We had a chance to talk at the Barcelona test and he has an important vision of the bike. I am convinced that he will allow us to help in the points where we suffer the most."
As we all know Carlo Pernat is no longer your manager. What changes?
"Carlo is a friend and always will be, our relationship goes beyond the track and I am grateful to him for everything we have done over the years. We have remained on very good terms and it is thanks to him that I am in MotoGP, in fact we have come a long way together. This is a change, as sometimes it is right to upgrade. MSM (the new agency that will follow him) comes from the four-wheel world and they will have to learn from the two as well."
Vinales said he was impressed with the braking. Is that the strength of the KTM?
"The braking is a strength of the bike, and confirmation comes from Binder, a rider who is very difficult to overtake. This confirms the fact that the bike lends itself very well to this quality. At the same time, however, it will be necessary to improve tire wear, because it tends to lose the rear end lap after lap."
At your side there will also be a coach....
"I have a coach to help me, and I think it's important to have a person by your side, considering all the races ahead of us and the various commitments throughout the year. So we have to be prepared."
What kind of coexistence do you expect between Marquez and Bagnaia in Ducati?
"I don't see it as catastrophic from the outside. They may get along well, aware that there will be no shortage of battles to complicate things."
