Enea Bastianini (Estrella Galicia 0,0) bounced back from a difficult race day at Misano to take a podium in stunning style at Aragon, crossing the line only half a tenth off the win but in P3. The Italian had got himself where he wanted to be on the last lap to try and push for the win, but Joan Mir (Leopard Racing) defended his lead hard - too hard according to Race Direction, and the Majorcan will serve a six-place grid penalty at Motegi, where Bastianini won last season.
Enea Bastianini, P3: “The race was very, very beautiful because there was a big group, but today it was possible to overtake another rider on the brakes at some corners. On the last lap I was in third position on the straight, but Mir for me passed the limit on the straight by turning left and right meaning it was impossible to pass him and Diggia. I’m happy, but a little bit angry. Next, Japan is one beautiful track. Last year I won there and it is important to be consistent all weekend, then we will see in the race.”
Before Japan, too, the Italian was back on track at MotorLand at the official test - with improvements found as we head into the flyaways.
EB33: "It was a productive day of testing with a lot of information that wil be useful. We tried new settings to improve the feeling with the rear suspension and the result was really positive - the feeling with the bike with colder asphalt in the morning was much better. In Japan and Australia we'll probably have those conditions, so it's an important step forward. There was also a lot of wind and although it's more difficult to ride in, I'm sure the work we did will be positive looking towards Phillip Island, where we often come across that problem."