Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set to take the wheel for Mercedes during the first practice session (FP1) at the Mexico City Grand Prix, stepping in for Lewis Hamilton.

Toto Wolff has announced that Andrea Kimi Antonelli will take the wheel for Mercedes during the first practice session at the upcoming Grand Prix in Mexico City this weekend.

Antonelli is set to take the wheel of Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes during the initial 60 minutes of practice at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday.

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Under Formula 1 rules, each of the 10 teams has the opportunity to allow new drivers to participate in two events throughout the 2024 season.

Antonelli stepped in for George Russell during the first practice session at Monza, yet faced a significant crash shortly after starting.

The 18-year-old from Italy is set to have another chance to pilot the W15, gearing up for his first Formula 1 race next year.

Antonelli has been selected to follow in Hamilton's footsteps, with the seven-time world champion moving to Ferrari to team up with Charles Leclerc.

Before the weekend began, Wolff mentioned, “Due to its elevated location, Mexico poses a distinct challenge. The engine must exert more effort and, to compensate for the rarefied air, we operate with the highest level of downforce.

"This will give us another chance to assess the latest enhancements we've made. Kimi will take part in his second FP1 session, and we're eager to see him make further progress on the circuit."

Mercedes Faced Hurdles in Mexico

Mercedes went through a tough time during the previous weekend at the United States Grand Prix.

Hamilton exited the race early due to a spin in the initial laps, whereas Russell secured a sixth-place finish despite beginning from the pit lane.

Both drivers experienced challenges in maneuvering the W15, suggesting that the recently introduced upgrade package might have adversely affected the car's handling capabilities.

"Wolff also mentioned, "Following a challenging weekend in Austin, we get the chance to recover quickly in Mexico." He noted that their performance in Texas indicated the car has potential performance. The main task, he said, is to harness this consistently.

"The outcome we're seeing doesn't stem from a single issue but rather from how the vehicle's aerodynamics and mechanics work together. There are five more races left this season for us to address this. It's crucial that we tackle these problems not just for our current results but also to position ourselves strongly for the 2025 season."

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Fabio Quartararo: Yamaha plans to introduce a new MotoGP engine specification "before the season concludes."

"We're not considering 2025 due to the concessions…"

Yamaha's MotoGP team is expected to introduce a new engine specification for their bike before the season concludes. However, this weekend in Thailand, Fabio Quartararo will continue to deal with the same lack of straight-line speed he has been struggling with in recent races.

In previous years, Quartararo has performed well in Thailand, especially in 2019. During that race, he competed fiercely against Marc Marquez all the way to the last corner in a battle for the win. This race concluded with Marquez securing his sixth championship title in the top category.

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The French cyclist is anticipating a solid showing this weekend, particularly during the qualifying rounds.

"The track should be fairly decent for us," he mentioned, "particularly when it comes to a single lap. Our main objective is to make it into Q2 by tomorrow afternoon and strive for an impressive outcome."

Fabio Quartararo mentioned that the more robust rear tire design provided by Michelin for the Thailand race helps Yamaha. This is due to the need to handle the tropical heat and numerous straight-line acceleration areas at the Buriram circuit, which limits the capabilities of competing motorcycles.

He mentioned that the new tire doesn't make much of a difference for them.

"However, I believe that the other competitors have a lower potential with this tire. Therefore, I think this will be significant."

"It's clear that we're lacking grip, particularly when it comes to acceleration and reaching top speed on this track. However, I believe there are other aspects we can focus on to maintain a competitive pace."

Yamaha's struggles with top speed in MotoGP are well-known, and at the moment, Quartararo is opting for the engine version with the lowest speed because it's his favored choice.

He mentioned that there might be a new engine spec introduced for the YZR-M1 before the season concludes.

Quartararo expressed that his preferred engine is also the one that has the least speed.

"Regrettably, there are numerous sections that we are not covering."

"I believe that by the end of this season, we will introduce a new engine specification that offers greater top speed. This development is crucial as we are currently at a disadvantage in terms of straight-line speed."

Quartararo clarified that the engine update wasn't specifically intended for the year 2025.

"It's a different way of thinking, since with the concessions, our focus isn't on 2025; instead, we're constantly aiming to improve the bike," he stated.

"This year, we've altered the engine specifications four times and revamped the chassis four times as well. I anticipate we'll introduce another chassis before the Valencia event."

"We do not possess a bike specifically designed for 2025. Instead, the bike we currently use is gradually developing over time, which is what I am trying to convey."

"The Valencia test holds significant importance as we will be introducing some new elements. Additionally, the preseason test involving four bikes and the Shakedown will also play a crucial role."

"We have numerous testing days ahead, which I believe will be crucial for us to progress."

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Fabio Quartararo: Yamaha is set to introduce a new MotoGP engine specification "before the season concludes."

"Due to the concessions, we're not focusing on the year 2025…"

Yamaha is reportedly set to introduce a new engine specification for its MotoGP bike before the season concludes. However, this weekend in Thailand, Fabio Quartararo will still contend with the same straight-line speed disadvantage that has challenged him in recent races.

Quartararo has shown impressive performances in Thailand previously, particularly in 2019. During that race, he battled with Marc Marquez right up to the last corner, with Marquez eventually claiming victory and securing his sixth championship title in the top tier.

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The French cyclist anticipates performing well this weekend, particularly during the qualifying rounds.

He expressed optimism about the track, stating, "I believe the track won't be too challenging for us, particularly in a single lap scenario. Our clear objective is to make it into Q2 tomorrow afternoon and aim for an impressive outcome."

Fabio Quartararo noted that Michelin's decision to supply a more robust rear tire for the Thailand race, designed to handle both the intense tropical heat and the demanding straight-line acceleration areas of the Buriram track, works in Yamaha's favor. This is because it limits how well the competing bikes can perform.

He mentioned that the new tire doesn't make much of a difference for them.

"However, I believe that the other competitors have a lower potential with this tire. Therefore, I think this aspect will be significant."

"We're aware that we're lacking traction, particularly when it comes to acceleration and maximum speed on this track. However, I believe there are other aspects we can focus on to improve our speed."

Yamaha's struggles with top speed in MotoGP are well-known, and at the moment, Quartararo is opting for the least powerful engine spec because it suits his preferences.

He mentioned that the YZR-M1 might receive an updated engine specification before the season concludes.

Quartararo expressed that, despite it being his favorite, his present engine is also the least fast.

"Regrettably, there are many sections that we are not covering."

"I believe that by the end of the season, we will introduce a new engine specification that offers higher top speed. This will be crucial as we are currently losing significant ground in straight-line performance."

Quartararo clarified that the engine upgrade was not specifically intended with a focus solely on the year 2025.

"It's a distinct mindset since, with the concessions, our focus isn't on 2025. Instead, we're constantly aiming to enhance the bike continuously," he explained.

"This year, we've altered the engine specifications four times and modified the chassis four times. I expect we'll make another change before the Valencia event."

"We don't actually have a bike specifically designed for 2025. The current bike is gradually being developed and improved, which is what I'm referring to."

"The test in Valencia is going to be crucial, as we'll be trying out some new elements. Additionally, the preseason testing with four bikes and the Shakedown will also be significant."

"We have numerous days dedicated to testing, which I believe will be crucial for us to advance."

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Martin Brundle calls for significant adjustments and simplification of F1's racing regulations following Lando Norris's penalty.

Renowned Formula 1 commentator Martin Brundle believes that the sport's driving rules require significant adjustments after the controversy involving Lando Norris and Max Verstappen during the United States Grand Prix.

Norris received a contentious five-second penalty for 'exiting the race track and obtaining an advantage' while competing against Verstappen at Turn 12.

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The driver from McLaren was seen to have gone beyond the track limits for overtaking after being forced out wide by Verstappen.

On this occasion, Verstappen also veered off the track, yet as the driver in defense, he avoided a penalty by reaching the apex before anyone else.

The event has sparked extensive discussions regarding the enforcement of regulations and overall management of stewardship.

In his latest column for Sky Sports F1, Brundle criticized the current conditions of the Formula 1 tracks and advocated for a simplification of the regulations.

"He pointed out from the events at the Austrian Grand Prix, illustrating how a basic strip of gravel and various track elements can effectively discourage drivers from veering off the designated track, eliminating the need for tall kerbs that pose a risk of propelling cars into the air," he stated.

Swapping out and returning this item for motorcycle racing, where it is ineffective, incurs a cost. However, when compared to the vast expenses associated with Formula 1, it is not considered costly.

The design of the tracks and the runoff areas are at the root of the issues, while the increasingly complicated regulations for racing are unable to address every unforeseen and diverse problem that arises. Pointing fingers at the officials isn't just or a solution. What's needed is a significant overhaul and streamlining of the racing rules.

Norris' sanction wasn't the sole subject of intense review.

George Russell received a five-second penalty at the same turn for an overtaking maneuver on Valtteri Bottas.

Russell received a penalty despite his efforts to provide Bottas with space during the mid-corner, a courtesy Verstappen failed to extend to Norris.

This inconsistency was a source of annoyance for Brundle.

"He further mentioned his uncertainty about the disappearance of the 'let them race' strategy that was previously quite effective."

In my view, overtaking a vehicle on the inner side of a turn, while maintaining control without skidding, and staying within the boundaries of the track, signifies you have conquered that corner. You are then entitled to follow the standard racing trajectory as you exit the turn. It becomes the responsibility of the overtaken driver to back off, rather than accelerate and unavoidably veer off course.

George Russell incurred an unfair penalty during the Austin race due to strict adherence to the rules, similar to other drivers. Given that Russell faced consequences for forcing Valtteri Bottas off-track, the question arises: why wasn't Verstappen penalized for a similar move on Norris at the same turn?

Here's an additional query: considering Norris had overtaken Verstappen on the outside prior to turn 12, yet Verstappen managed to reclaim his position on the inside, at the point of the corner's apex, who should be considered as executing the overtake, Verstappen or Norris? The situation is actually more complex than it appears.

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Pedro Acosta expressed that the extent of his discomfort will dictate his performance at the Thailand MotoGP. He noted significant progress in recent days, which he considers a positive development.

Pedro Acosta heads to Buriram for the MotoGP Thai Grand Prix this weekend after facing a challenging time in Australia last weekend, where he sustained a shoulder injury during the Sprint race.

On Sunday morning, Acosta was deemed unfit to participate in the Grand Prix, preventing him from competing. However, he reports that his health has already gotten better as he prepares for the event in Thailand this weekend.

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During a press conference on Thursday before the MotoGP Thai Grand Prix, Acosta described his current state in contrast to the previous weekend in Australia by saying, "I'm feeling much improved. I've spent several days undergoing physiotherapy and doing various activities off the track, but overall, I'm feeling significantly better."

Medical examinations conducted in Australia uncovered the full severity of the shoulder injury Acosta sustained during his Sprint crash.

"It was a partial tear in the ligament," he explained. "I would describe it as moving out and then back in quite forcefully, which exacerbates the situation. Regardless, that's the reality of it, and it has gotten significantly better over the past few days, which is something to be grateful for."

Acosta mentioned that he does not need surgery for his shoulder injury. He also noted that the primary issue he anticipates facing in Thailand this weekend is pain, not a lack of strength.

"The doctor mentioned that the threshold would be determined by the level of pain," he explained.

"Let's find out what's happening. The positive aspect is that I can move freely without any discomfort—it's only when I make contact with it that I feel pain."

In a sense, Acosta's injury happened at an unfortunate time. In Japan, he was consistently in the running for podium finishes, and now he's in the midst of three consecutive races.

He remarked, "These situations arise when they are meant to," but acknowledged, "It's certainly not at the most opportune time. We'll have to wait and see what happens and how I handle the entire weekend."

Acosta shared information regarding the expected duration of his recovery from the injury.

"They mentioned it might take a few weeks," he remarked. "It's hard to determine exactly how long, but I must say, I've been feeling significantly better and have made notable progress over the past few days."

"The issue was that I was unable to raise the arm."

As he arrives in Thailand, Acosta is hopeful about his and KTM's prospects. Last year, he secured second place in the Moto2 Thai Grand Prix, trailing Fermin Aldeguer. Meanwhile, Brad Binder finished in the runner-up position behind Jorge Martin but was demoted a spot due to a track limits violation on the final lap, allowing Francesco Bagnaia to move ahead after the race concluded.

"Acosta commented that in the previous season, Brad Binder delivered an impressive performance. He also noted that this track might be advantageous for them due to its numerous braking and acceleration areas."

"Let's observe how we begin the weekend and figure out how we can handle it."

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US Grand Prix marks a pivotal moment for Red Bull | "Stability regained"

"Max surpassing Lando and scoring more points. It appeared to be a critical juncture and the instability at Red Bull has concluded."

Sky Sports F1 analyst Ted Kravitz has voiced his opinion that the United States Grand Prix marked a significant shift for Red Bull, stating their period of instability has come to an end.

Max Verstappen widened his championship lead to 57 points ahead of Lando Norris with a stellar display throughout the weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.

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Verstappen led the sprint race from the start, securing the top spot, before ending up in third place in the primary race.

Despite having to defend his position against championship contender Norris, Verstappen managed to secure a spot on the podium.

Ahead of the weekend, Red Bull unveiled several improvements, and the three-week hiatus between the Singapore and USA races provided an excellent opportunity for them to analyze and address their problems.

During a recent segment of the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Kravitz shared his perspective on why he believes Verstappen is likely to secure the championship title this season.

"He remarked, 'The Bulls are back in form,' noting, 'They’ve overcome their challenges. They’ve resolved their difficulties. They’ve progressed, and that's the reason Max will emerge as this year's world champion.'"

Podcast co-host Matt Baker promptly noted that Verstappen ended the race 19 seconds after victor Charles Leclerc.

Kravitz responded, "I'm convinced that everyone believed he was merely in third place. There was a certain demeanor among the Red Bull team indicating that there was an issue with Max’s approach."

The manner in which Horner, the head of Red Bull, articulated his thoughts gave me the impression of significant advancement. It appeared to me that in the three weeks following Singapore, they had discovered something crucial.

"Okay, they haven't fully reached their peak and are still a bit off. Max outperforming Lando and scoring over him seems like a pivotal moment, suggesting that Red Bull's shaky period has come to an end."

Verstappen is likely to feel optimistic about increasing his lead in the championship during the Mexico City race.

He has emerged victorious in Mexico five times before, with wins in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

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US Grand Prix marks a pivotal moment for Red Bull | End of instability

"Max overtaking Lando and scoring more points. This seemed like a crucial shift, indicating that Red Bull's period of instability has concluded."

Sky Sports F1 analyst Ted Kravitz has described the United States Grand Prix as a pivotal moment for Red Bull, stating that their period of instability has come to an end.

Max Verstappen increased his advantage in the championship standings against Lando Norris to 57 points following a remarkable display throughout the weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.

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Verstappen led the sprint race from the start, having begun in first place, and went on to secure a third-place finish in the

Despite having to defend his position against championship contender Norris, Verstappen managed to secure a spot on the podium.

Red Bull implemented several improvements before the weekend, using the three-week gap between the Singapore and USA races as an opportunity to diagnose and address their problems.

During the most recent installment of the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Kravitz shared his perspective on why he believes Verstappen is poised to clinch the championship this season.

"He mentioned, 'The Bulls are back in action,' noting, 'They've overcome their challenges. They've addressed their difficulties. They've progressed, and that's the reason Max will be this year's world champion.'"

Podcast co-host Matt Baker was prompt in highlighting that Verstappen crossed the finish line 19 seconds after the race victor, Charles Leclerc.

Kravitz responded, "I'm convinced that everyone believed he was merely in third place. There was an element in Red Bull's overall demeanor suggesting there was something off with Max's mindset."

Horner's manner of speaking, as the head of Red Bull, gave me the impression that they had made advancements. It seemed to me that in the three weeks following Singapore, they had discovered something significant.

"Okay, they haven't fully reached their potential, but definitely getting there. Max outpacing Lando and scoring over him was a significant moment. It seems like the period of instability for Red Bull has come to an end."

Verstappen is likely to feel optimistic about increasing his lead in the championship during the Mexico City race.

He has emerged victorious in Mexico five times before, specifically in the years 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023

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Aleix Espargaro dismisses the use of aerodynamics as a defense in the frightening MotoGP incident involving Bezzecchi and Vinales.

"Blaming aerodynamics to excuse the incident is unjust."

Aleix Espargaro disagrees with the MotoGP stewards' decision that aerodynamics played a role in lessening the impact of the frightening crash between Marco Bezzecchi and Maverick Vinales in Australia last weekend.

During the second-to-last lap of last weekend's sprint at Phillip Island, Bezzecchi crashed into the back of Vinales' Aprilia as they approached the high-speed Turn 1, resulting in both riders being eliminated from the race.

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The race officials concluded that Bezzecchi was responsible for the accident. However, they acknowledged that the disturbed airflow caused by the RS-GP's aerodynamic design played a role, which led them to impose a lighter penalty on him.

An unfortunate accident occurred late in the event 💥 Fortunately, Maverick has been confirmed to be in good health, and although Bez has no broken bones, he has been taken to a hospital in Melbourne for a thorough examination. The Stewards are continuing to investigate the incident #AustralianGP 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/6z8hsHSmTu— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 19, 2024

Recognizing that under typical conditions Bezzecchi would have faced a double long lap penalty, he was instead penalized with just a single long lap.

The officials examining the role of aerodynamics in the collision have ignited a discussion about its possible involvement in all future accidents.

In a statement made on Thursday before the upcoming Thailand Grand Prix this weekend, Espargaro, who is Vinales' teammate, dismissed the claim and proposed that Bezzecchi was just not cautious enough.

"The aerodynamics make corner one at Phillip Island even more challenging and prone to mistakes," he mentioned to reporters, including those from Crash.net, during the event in Buriram.

"If it were the inaugural year for using the wings, I would comprehend the situation."

"It has been five years since we became aware of the situation at turn one on Phillip Island regarding aerodynamics."

"In my opinion, using aerodynamics as an excuse for the decision is unjust."

When questioned about whether he believed the punishment was sufficient, he responded, "Absolutely not."

Numerous individuals are claiming that he attempted to pass once more.

"I am certain that Bez didn't do it intentionally."

However, it was a significant error that led to a major collision, and the penalty, equating it with merely blocking someone during a quick lap, is unjust.

"It's not satisfactory. It ought to have been much more robust."

After completing his penalty, Bezzecchi crashed and withdrew from the grand prix on the following lap.

Following a crash during the sprint, the VR46 rider needed to visit the hospital for examinations. Fortunately, there were no injuries except for some discomfort in a shoulder ligament.

On Thursday in Thailand, Bezzecchi expressed that he was feeling pretty well.

"I am still experiencing an issue with my left shoulder. During the crash in the sprint, I slightly injured a ligament in that area."

"Luckily, there are no fractures, but it's still causing me some pain."

"Regardless, I'm feeling pretty well. I'll find out more tomorrow when I go biking, but I managed to ride during the race on Sunday. I'll experience some discomfort, but nothing too severe."

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Aleix Espargaro dismisses aerodynamic factors as a defense in the frightening MotoGP crash involving Bezzecchi and Vinales. "It's unfair to use aerodynamics as an excuse for the incident," he stated.

Aleix Espargaro disagrees with MotoGP stewards' conclusion that aerodynamics played a role in lessening the impact of the frightening crash involving Marco Bezzecchi and Maverick Vinales in Australia last weekend.

During the second-to-last lap of the sprint race at Phillip Island last weekend, Bezzecchi made contact with the back of Vinales' Aprilia as they approached the rapid Turn 1, resulting in both riders being eliminated from the race.

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The officials concluded that Bezzecchi was responsible for the accident. However, they acknowledged that the turbulent air caused by the RS-GP's aerodynamics played a role in the incident, which led them to impose a less severe penalty.

An unfortunate event occurred late in the session 💥 Fortunately, Maverick has been confirmed to be uninjured, and although Bez has no fractures, he has been taken to a Melbourne hospital for a comprehensive examination. The incident is still being reviewed by the Stewards #AustralianGP 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/6z8hsHSmTu— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 19, 2024

Recognizing that in what it considered typical situations, Bezzecchi would typically face a double long lap penalty, he was instead issued only a single long lap penalty.

The stewards' decision to view aerodynamics as a factor in the crash has ignited discussions about whether it should be considered a contributing element in all accidents from now on.

Ahead of the Thailand Grand Prix scheduled for this weekend, Vinales' teammate, Espargaro, dismissed the claim on Thursday, arguing that Bezzecchi was merely not cautious.

He explained to the press, including Crash.net, in Buriram that the aerodynamics make the first corner at Phillip Island even more challenging, increasing the likelihood of errors.

"If this were the inaugural year for the wings, I might see why."

"It's been five years since we became aware of the situation at the first corner of Phillip Island regarding aerodynamics."

"In my opinion, using aerodynamics as an excuse to explain the decision isn't justified."

When questioned about whether he believed the penalty was sufficient, he replied, "Definitely not."

Numerous individuals are suggesting that he attempted to pass once more.

"I really don't believe Bez did it intentionally, completely."

"However, it was a significant error on his part, leading to a major collision. The penalty, equating it with merely being on the track and blocking someone during a quick lap, doesn't seem just."

"It's lacking strength. It definitely should have been much more robust."

After serving his penalty, Bezzecchi crashed and was unable to finish the grand prix.

After the accident during the sprint, the VR46 racer was taken to the hospital for examination. Fortunately, there were no injuries, although there was some discomfort in a shoulder ligament.

On Thursday in Thailand, Bezzecchi expressed that he was feeling very well.

"I am still dealing with an issue in my left shoulder, where I slightly injured a ligament during a crash in the sprint."

"Luckily, there are no fractures, but I'm still feeling some pain."

"Nonetheless, I'm feeling pretty well. I'll find out more tomorrow when I get on the bike, but I managed to ride on Sunday while the race was happening. It'll be uncomfortable, but not unmanageable."

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Ferrari is eagerly anticipating Hamilton's arrival, undeterred by his unpredictable performance: "They're excited to welcome him. Everything is positive, and they're keen on it."

Ted Kravitz has dismissed any worries Ferrari may harbor regarding Lewis Hamilton's inconsistent performance in the 2024 Formula 1 season.

Despite breaking his prolonged period without a victory at Silverstone earlier this year, the season has been somewhat disappointing for the seven-time world champion, Hamilton.

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Mercedes has continued to show irregular performance in 2024, with the recent United States Grand Prix posing yet another challenge for the squad.

In the initial stages of the race, Hamilton lost control and exited the competition, with Toto Wolff attributing the mishap to the vehicle's performance instead of a mistake by the driver.

George Russell encountered a comparable error during the qualifying session, resulting in a crash in Q3. This incident necessitated his starting from the pit lane because of a shortage of replacement parts.

Hamilton is set to join Ferrari in 2025, and judging by the current standings, this appears to be a wise decision as the Scuderia is actively competing for the constructors' championship.

Kravitz is of the opinion that regardless of Hamilton's individual performance or how Ferrari fares in races, both sides are eager to kick off their collaboration in 2025.

“Even when Ferrari isn't crossing the finish line first, he believes it's still the right choice,” he commented on the Sky F1 podcast.

"The dynamics shift from one race to another, right? There are instances when Mercedes excels in a grand prix while Ferrari falls short. Similarly, there are moments when Ferrari struggles and Mercedes shines."

One might speculate that Lewis is pondering the current state of affairs at Ferrari. Similarly, from Ferrari's perspective, observing Lewis struggle during a race could lead them to question what issues he's facing.

"In the upcoming race, Lewis is performing incredibly well, and Ferrari will believe we've taken the victory, we have a champion."

"Everything is okay. Look, I believe there's no concern on their part. Lewis is eager to start his journey with Ferrari – he mentions this during press conferences every time we inquire. Ferrari is equally excited to welcome him. It's all positive; they're anticipating it eagerly."

The timing of Hamilton's initial appearance in a Ferrari remains unclear, following reports from the BBC that Mercedes has decided against permitting him to participate in the test session following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.

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Enea Bastianini announced that there will be no directives from Ducati at the Thai MotoGP, stating, "I need to give my all." He expressed his ambition to secure third place in the championship and is determined to pursue this goal.

With three races remaining in the 2024 season, Enea Bastianini is aiming for a third-place finish in the MotoGP World Championship.

As the Thai Grand Prix approaches this weekend, Enea Bastianini finds himself trailing Marc Marquez by 14 points. This comes after the Gresini Ducati racer secured a win in Australia just a week prior, with only two races left in the season.

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Last year, Bastianini finished in 13th place in Thailand. However, due to his injuries from a crash in Barcelona the previous summer, his physical state during the Asian races was compromised. As a result, the 2023 season doesn't provide a reliable basis for predicting his performance in this year's Buriram race.

"We need to assess our potential," Bastianini remarked before the Thai Grand Prix.

"During the previous year, I faced numerous challenges and it's crucial that we conduct more thorough checks with increased backing now. My health wasn't optimal around this time last year, but I'm optimistic about making progress and achieving more this year."

"It's evident that Friday holds significant importance, and tomorrow is a crucial day for me. However, I am prepared."

Bastianini outlined his plan for the remainder of the season, saying that his goal is straightforward: "If I secure more race victories, I will likely finish third in the championship standings."

Francesco Bagnaia, who is Bastianini's teammate at Ducati, holds the second spot in the riders' championship. Bagnaia is currently trailing Jorge Martin by 20 points. Given his position, the Ducati Lenovo Team may ask Bastianini to assist Bagnaia in securing his third consecutive MotoGP title.

Bastianini has stated that he has received "Nothing" in terms of directives from Ducati before the Thai race this weekend.

As he considered the forthcoming races in Sepang and Valencia, Bastianini maintained a straightforward outlook.

"Sepang is a track I really enjoy," he stated. "I'm aware of that, and historically, I've had good speed there."

Valencia isn't a track I particularly enjoy. As for Buriram, I'm uncertain about it. I'm approaching this Grand Prix without any specific expectations.

"I need to give my all because I have the chance to secure third place in the championship, and I'm eager to attempt it."

Adding to Bastianini's challenges for this weekend is the narrative surrounding his experience at the Australian Grand Prix.

During last weekend's event at Phillip Island, Bastianini secured third place in the Sprint race but ended up in fifth position in the Grand Prix, trailing the winner by 13 seconds.

Following the race, Bastianini expressed dissatisfaction with the front end of his Desmosedici GP24, stating that even after four days, he remains unable to understand the issue.

"We need to discuss this matter now," Bastianini stated on Thursday in Thailand.

"I only have information from the Sunday at Phillip Island, and it's crucial to grasp what occurred."

"However, it's been odd since the bike was identical to the one I used earlier in the day, and my experience with it this morning was really positive."

"For the race, it felt completely different, almost as though I had no grip at all. It was quite unusual."

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Enea Bastianini has stated that there are no team orders from Ducati for the Thai MotoGP, indicating his goal to perform at his best. He expressed his ambition to secure third place in the championship standings and is determined to pursue this objective.

With just three races remaining in the 2024 MotoGP season, Enea Bastianini is aiming for a third-place finish in the World Championship.

As the Thai Grand Prix approaches this weekend, with just two rounds left in the season, Bastianini trails Marc Marquez by 14 points. This comes after the Gresini Ducati rider clinched a victory in Australia last week.

Sign up for our MotoGP Newsletter

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To learn more, please review our Privacy Policy.

Last year in Thailand, Bastianini finished in 13th place. However, due to his physical state in the Asian races that followed his crash in Barcelona last summer, the 2023 results do not provide a reliable basis to predict the Italian's performance in this year's Buriram race.

"We need to evaluate the possibilities," Bastianini remarked before the Thai Grand Prix.

"In the previous year, I went through a great deal of hardship. It's crucial for us to conduct more thorough evaluations, with increased support at this time. My physical state last year wasn't optimal around this time, but presently, I feel optimistic about making improvements and achieving more this year."

"We've realized the significance of Friday, and tomorrow is going to be crucial for me. However, I'm prepared for it."

Bastianini laid out his straightforward plan for the remainder of the season, stating that achieving more victories in upcoming races could likely secure him third place in the championship.

Bastianini's fellow Ducati factory rider, Francesco Bagnaia, is currently sitting in second place in the championship standings. He trails Jorge Martin by 20 points, which might prompt the Ducati Lenovo Team to ask Bastianini to assist Bagnaia in securing his third consecutive MotoGP championship.

Bastianini has stated that he hasn't received any team instructions from Ducati before the upcoming race in Thailand this weekend.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming races in Sepang and Valencia, Bastianini maintained a straightforward outlook.

"Sepang is a track I really enjoy," he mentioned. "It's well-known that I've been quick there in the past as well."

"Valencia isn’t a track I particularly like. As for here in Buriram, I’m not really sure. I’m approaching this Grand Prix with no specific expectations."

"I'm determined to give it my all because I have the opportunity to secure third place in the championship, and I'm eager to achieve that goal."

Adding complexity to Bastianini's perspective on this weekend is the narrative surrounding his performance at the Australian Grand Prix.

Last weekend at Phillip Island, Bastianini secured a third-place finish in the Sprint. However, in the Grand Prix, he ended up in fifth place, trailing the winner by 13 seconds.

Following the race, Bastianini expressed dissatisfaction with the front end of his Desmosedici GP24, noting an issue that, even after four days, he remains unable to understand.

On Thursday in Thailand, Bastianini stated, "It's time for us to discuss this."

"I only have information up to the Sunday at Phillip Island, and it's crucial to figure out what occurred."

"However, it was odd because the bike hadn't changed since the morning, and earlier my experience with it was really positive."

"For the race, it felt completely different, almost as if I had no grip. It was quite unusual."

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