Fausto Gresini will be sorely missed as his team returns to MotoGP, but the squad is aiming high, particularly in terms of Enea Bastianini. With a year of experience under his belt, a more competitive bike and greater maturity, we expect to see the Italian fighting for the positions that count, an objective that his crew chief Alberto Giribuola confirms.

Great faith in Enea

“We have a more competitive bike this year, and he was very consistent and fast towards the end of last season. So if we can improve a little in qualifying, then…” explains the Italian, who worked alongside Andrea Dovizioso before moving across to Enea at the start of last season. Things clearly look promising, something Giribuola already realised in November: “We’re starting with a good base set-up that we tested at Jerez and the new bike was immediately quick without making any huge changes”.

The technical aspect works in his favour

The competition is stiff if we consider the championship in general and, more specifically, the other Ducati riders. The crew chief isn’t giving too much away but admits: “He can reach the front positions”. Will Enea become the latest nightmare for Bagnaia, Quartararo, Marquez and Mir? From a technical standpoint, he will be at an advantage compared to last year and so will have a little more to exploit: “The bike is a little more forgiving and easier to take to the limit, more consistent, and that will be important”.

And if we add the fact that Enea becomes a different person come race day, then the outlook is very interesting. He’s a real ‘race animal’ as his crew chief confirms: “Sunday is Sunday, he feels that. And he’s very good at managing his speed in the race, and the tyres. His race management is rather special, and the talent’s there, he can aim to do very well”. And if he were to become the revelation this season?

Translated by Heather Watson

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