Enea Bastianini Opens Up About Unexpected Marquez Move, His Decision for KTM over Aprilia, and Facing a New Chapter

Surprise Revelation from Enea Bastianini: Believed Competition was Mainly with Jorge Martin

Enea Bastianini Shares Insight on Choosing KTM Over Aprilia

Enea Bastianini has expressed his astonishment at the decision to have Marc Marquez take over his spot for the upcoming season.

Ducati chose Marquez from Gresini to join their official MotoGP team lineup for 2025, over Pramac's Jorge Martin.

Bastianini, set to be replaced, believed he was in a direct competition with Martin, a contest he had emerged victorious in towards the end of 2022.

"It came as a surprise; I couldn't envision this decision," he shared with Sky Italia.

"I believed it was mainly a personal conflict between Martin and myself."

Martin, initially seen as a strong contender for a promotion to the factory Ducati team, has opted to join Aprilia in 2025 following his exclusion from consideration.

Bastianini, replaced by Marquez, is set to become a part of the Tech3 KTM initiative, which will enjoy comprehensive backing from the factory.

Bastianini revealed his interest in Aprilia, stating, "The Aprilia opportunity was indeed appealing to me."

"Ultimately, I decided to go back to my previous team leader, taking with me a motorcycle that remained highly competitive."

Alberto Giribuola is set to welcome Bastianini into the KTM garage.

"He affirmed that there would be no need to begin anew."

"Given our mutual familiarity, I believe this could bring additional benefit."

However, Bastianini faces the challenge of moving on from the most sought-after and top-performing motorcycle in MotoGP.

He mentioned regarding getting on the KTM: "I'm starting off without setting the bar too high, yet I'll put in the effort during practice to reach a leading position as quickly as I can."

In 2022, Bastianini, who was with Gresini at the time, secured victories in a number of races, second only to the season's ultimate winner, Pecco Bagnaia.

From time to time, they engaged in close racing battles and were predicted to have an ongoing rivalry within the same team.

In the coming year, Bagnaia could face additional challenges with Marquez's entry into the scene.

"Bastianini expressed his belief that Marc and Pecco are both highly intelligent individuals and will find the optimal way to coexist."

Bastianini retains the opportunity to make his mark as a Ducati team rider in the latter half of the year.

Regrettably, there's a looming possibility that his biennial tenure will be overshadowed by the injury he sustained during his initial appearance in red.

A shoulder injury incurred in Portimao the previous year dashed Bastianini's aspirations of vying for the championship title.

"He described his influence at Ducati as devastating," he stated.

"Sustaining an injury in the initial race impacted my performance for the entire season, making this year feel like my debut as a professional rider. It's almost like I've gained an additional year…"

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