At the final MotoGP class race in Valencia, Enea Bastianini held off Aprilia rider, Aleix Espargaro, to move up to third place in the standings. Next year, the factory team is headed.
Four wins, second place, 219 World Championship points and third overall in the second MotoGP season: Enea Bastianini had a convincing performance for Team Gresini in the GP21 saddle last year, which is why he was able to join the factory team.
“It was a very intense and impressive season, we won four races. Next year I will be a factory rider, so I will be riding for the official Ducati team. It will definitely be a great challenge, but it will also be a great opportunity for me.” Bastianini said. “We’ll do our best and try to have fun – as always.”
On the Ducati Lenovo team, Bastianini will be competing as teammate to 2022 World Champion Francesco Bagnaia, who celebrated ten podium finishes this year (including seven victories).
Speaking at the Ducati World Grand Championship ceremony in Bologna, the 24-year-old pilot said: “Of course, seeing Ducati at the top was very good. But we always look forward and try to repeat it. I will try again next year. We try to win the world title, but it is always difficult to repeat a great season like this year.”
“The bike is very fast and I think you can do very well on this team. I can work with Pecco, I’m really excited and I can’t wait to get started.” – followed the Italian competitor.
So the focus is on pre-season tests in February and March: “We already tested in Valencia, but I think we will only get the final engine in the last test before the start of the season. But I definitely liked the new engine. Maybe it’s a little harder to drive, but it’s fun.
Which opponents does the four-time winner of the season consider the strongest in 2023? They asked him the question. “There’s a lot. MotoGP has a very high level, we’re all within a few tenths of a second. So details matter,” Bastianini replied. “But I certainly expect a very competitive Marc Marquez who wants to get back on top. Quartararo is an amazing talent and Pecco wants to defend his title. But also Martín and Alex Espargaro – there is certainly no shortage of competitors.
Bastianini also mentioned the task of playing alongside Bagnaia as a team player in the future: “Of course there will be some sparks on the pitch because we are all here to give 100 per cent. It is important that we always do our best. But it is also important that we work together to give our best and develop the engine as best we can.”
