RiderTua.com – Enea Bastianini returns to COTA Texas for the first time since becoming winner in 2022. Bestia’s victory at the American GP was the 2nd of 4 wins he achieved with the Gresini Ducati team, before beating Jorge Martin in the fight for the Ducati factory seat for 2023.
“I have beautiful memories from 2022 at COTA. It was extraordinary to achieve a big win. I missed last year’s grand prix due to injury and that was very bad for me,” said the Ducati rider from Rimini, Italy.
Enea Bastianini reveals the secret of her victory at COTA
Enea Bastianini added, “But I came here after a good podium at Portimao and I am also consistent at the moment. So let’s see, if we can continue in that direction. I think we have a good set-up on every track and that “It’s important. Let’s see if I can be fast this year at COTA. Physically, it’s one of the most difficult races.”
When asked about the secret to his victory 2 years ago, Bastianini admitted the importance of conserving energy because the nature of the circuit in America is very physically demanding. Bestia explained that this year the track was covered with new asphalt. The secret is, this track is very physically demanding and if we expend energy in the first half then at the end of the race we can’t be too fast. It depends on physical condition and just look at the grand prix. According to him, there is no secret other than that.
Bastianini finished 2nd behind winner Jorge Martin in Portimao after having the advantage because Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia who were in front of him crashed. Now the 26 year old rider has moved up to 3rd place in the standings, 2 points ahead of his teammate Francesco Bagnaia.
Despite successfully winning the season-opening race in 2022, the start of the 2024 season has been much more impressive for Bastianini as his consistency can be matched by few of his rivals.
Hoping to continue those positive results this weekend, Bastianini pointed to the ‘pickup of the bike’ as an area for improvement. “At COTA, pickup (motorcycle)] is important. I think for now we have to modify this area a little because in MotoGP the angle of the bike is very important. Moreover, on this track it can be a solution to win,” concluded manager Carlo Pernat’s protégé.
