“A bit of a rollercoaster” – that’s how Gresini Racing MotoGP™’s Enea Bastianini has described his 2022 campaign ahead of the Monster Energy British Grand Prix this weekend as Silverstone kicks off the second part of the season.
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The fact is no rider has won more races than Bastianini this season. World Championship leader Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) have won three apiece, the same as the Italian sophomore, but Quartararo’s points advantage over Bastianini currently sits at 67 points. The Frenchman’s advantage over Pecco is 66.
It’s not short of a mountain to climb in terms of Bastianini’s Championship aspirations from this point, and it’s the inconsistency of his season that has seen him slip from title race leader to 5th overall. When Bastianini hasn’t won the race, his best finish was the P8 pocketed in Jerez. Termas de Rio Hondo and Assen were his only other top 10 finishes too. Hence why Bestia describes his season as a bit of a rollercoaster, an issue that needs to be ironed out.
“We’re finally back in action! The break has been very useful to reset and look back at the mistakes made in the first part of the season,” said Bastianini ahead of the British Grand Prix. “I really like Silverstone and I really want to get a good result, so we can return to our best form. Our season has been a bit of a rollercoaster right now, so we want to be more consistent from now on.”
Chasing title glory is obviously one main objective for the number 23. But there’s a big decision looming; who will partner Bagnaia in 2023? We know it’s between Bastianini and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), and we also know the next two to three races are the deciders. It goes without saying both riders want to be donning factory red next season, so it’s going to be a fascinating watch to see what Ducati’s decision will be. You can watch motogp.com’s MotoGP™ Stories: The Ducati Decision – Part 1, now! There will be a second episode coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
That’ll no doubt be weighing on the minds of both riders until Ducati confirm who is Pecco’s teammate and who races in Prima Pramac colours next year. But the main thing for Bastianini – and Martin – is to do their talking on the track. If the former can takes points off Quartararo this weekend, then a dream MotoGP™ title is still within reach. That will be the main focus for Bastianini at Silverstone. Because when The Beast has been on it this season, he’s been unbeatable.