GP Misano, Domenicali scolds Bastianini: “He could have avoided it…”

The battle between Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini for the San Marino and Riviera di Rimini race win didn’t develop into a full-on duel, but the final lap was a real thriller. Enea looked wild as he followed hot on the heels of ‘Pecco’, taking a huge risk with braking that was very much on the limit. Something that didn’t go down well with management in Borgo Panigale.

A telling-off from the CEO

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Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall'Igna was quick to address this, before Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali, spoke to Sky Sport, admitting: “When two riders don’t work well together, I’m only partly satisfied. We’ve spoken to all our riders, they know they shouldn’t be overly aggressive with each other”.

And then to the crux of the matter: “Enea behaved well, but he could have avoided that braking on the last lap. He took too big a risk, and we don’t like that. I know it’s in a rider’s nature, but there are 150 people working behind the scenes, there’s a company, you need to try and work for the team". Domenicali believes riders should be more responsible then, concluding: "Otherwise, we will be criticised for not winning the rider’s title. On track, the best rider wins, but without doing stupid things”. The message is clear then, and Bastianini needs to learn, with a view to the last six races and next year too, when he will be in factory Ducati colours and wanting the calmest possible atmosphere in which to be able to aim high.

Translated by Heather Watson

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