Bastianini wants to be more “explosive” on track in subsequent years in Ducati MotoGP

anea bastianini Having just finished a four-year stint with Ducati in MotoGP he feels he needs to be more “explosive” on the track.

Bastianini has been associated with Ducati throughout his premier class career, but is parting ways with the Borgo Panigale marque at the end of 2024 to begin a new chapter. take 3 KTM.

The Italian rider impressed with his speed and skill on satellite machinery in 2021-22, earning himself a promotion to the factory Ducati team for next season.

However, a long-term injury hampered his debut campaign with the team in 2023 and, although he won two grands prix this year, he ultimately finished fourth in the championship. mark marquez On an old GP23 bike.

Bastianini said that he was satisfied with his time at Ducati, but that he lacked the edge he needed to catch up with the leaders on a more regular basis.

Asked to name his favorite moment with Ducati, he said, ‘Not since 23 (season). But for the rest (it was good).

“Every year gave me some different inspiration, starting in 2021 with the Avintia, (a) very tough bike. But in Misano I made it to the podium in consecutive races.

“I won for the first time in the first race with Gresini in Qatar and (2022) was also a great championship for me, probably the best.

“2023, (there) were no (memorable moments). There was a lot more stability in 2024 (compared to 2023), with struggles to do anything good on the front every now and then. But I felt something, I was devoid of explosiveness. I have to try to be more explosive for the future.

But for the rest, I am satisfied with these four consecutive years with Ducati.”

Renowned for his incredible late-race speed, Bastianini finished on the podium in nine out of 20 Grands Prix, while also taking two additional victories in the sprints.

However, during the year he often struggled in qualifying, which did not leave him with many places to make in the races. Although he took pole at the Portuguese GP, his average starting grid position was just 6.6.

The 26-year-old admitted that he needs to be more consistent to fight for the title this year, but feels he has the potential to perform better in the coming season.

“Maybe my ability is really close to Peko and Jorge,” he said in reference to his 2024 teammate. francesco bagnaia and champion george martin“But there were times when I wasn’t (consistent) and I made some mistakes. When I wasn’t ahead, maybe in qualifying, I stayed behind for later races.

“And the next one is the opposite. This cannot be good for the title and you have to change this approach if you want to win the title.

“I hope I’ll be very lucky for the rest of my future. Because I know I can do more with my 2024 season.