MotoGP Sepang Test: ‘I can be more competitive’ - Bastianini

Enea Bastianini was firmly out for most improved rider at Sepang on Saturday as the Gresini rider closed in on the overall track record.

Bastianini wasted no time as day one of the Sepang test kicked into action, running second in the standings after only 23 laps of the tropical track thanks to a 1’58.638 lap time. The Italian completed the day two-tenths under Aleix Espargaró’s best and fourth overall after Maverick Viñales joined his Aprilia teammate at the top and Suzuki’s Alex Rins stole third in the closing minutes.

The quickest Ducati on track, Bastianini’s confidence with the GP21 is growing due to its stability and braking prowess compared to the 2019 version he stunned at Misano on twice last season.

“Sepang is incredible, very beautiful track. It’s a lot faster and the last part, the two straights, with this engine it’s amazing!” Bastianini confirmed on Saturday evening.

“After two tests, one at Jerez and another at Sepang, I understand better this bike. After only one day in Malaysia, I’m more aware of the Desmosedici’s potential and it’s better in every part of the track. You can brake a lot later and it’s more stable especially with the new rear tyre, I can open the throttle much more aggressively compared to the 2019 bike.

“For me, I can be more competitive,” he continued. “Especially on the qualifying compared to the ’19 bike. There is only one point a little bit different, because with the ’19 was easy to save a lot the tyre. With this one you can use it more the first three/four laps to be fast and after there is drop and after again another drop but is better because you are more fast!” he concluded laughing.