Enea Bastianini has candidly shared his mixed emotions about his time with Ducati’s factory team, marking the conclusion of a two-year journey that, while full of promise, ultimately fell short of expectations. With his departure now confirmed, Bastianini is preparing to hand over his coveted Ducati seat to Marc Marquez for the 2025 season as he transitions to KTM’s Tech3 project alongside Maverick Viñales.
Reflecting on his four years with Ducati, including two in the factory team, Bastianini told Motorsport:
“They have been four very good years, with ups and downs. Sometimes, I didn’t rise to the situation, so I have many things to reproach myself for. But there were also many joys, and I experienced many beautiful moments.”
Career Highlights with Ducati
Bastianini’s tenure at Ducati featured moments of brilliance, solidifying his reputation as a highly skilled rider. During this period, he clinched seven Grand Prix victories and two sprint race wins, showcasing his talent and potential.
The pinnacle of his Ducati career came in 2022, when he raced for Gresini Racing. That season, Bastianini emerged as the rider with the second-most victories, only behind Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati’s reigning world champion. His exceptional performance earned him a promotion to the factory team in 2023, leapfrogging Jorge Martin in the highly competitive Ducati pecking order.
However, his promising momentum hit a major roadblock in 2023 when he suffered a significant shoulder injury during the season opener. The injury not only hampered his performances but also cast doubts over his long-term role in the team. As the season progressed, rumors swirled about his seat being contested by either Jorge Martin or Marc Marquez for the 2025 season.
A Fresh Start with KTM
Looking ahead, Bastianini is optimistic about his new journey with KTM’s Tech3 team, which will see him compete with factory-level equipment. The move marks a significant shift as he transitions to a completely different manufacturer and bike. Speaking about the upcoming challenge, he said:
“At the beginning, it won’t be easy to change bikes after all this time. But I believe that there is a good future waiting for me and that I can be competitive.”
Bastianini acknowledges the valuable lessons he gained at Ducati, especially from competing alongside Bagnaia:
“Having a strong teammate like Pecco has made me grow a lot from different points of view. The same goes for Jorge and Marc, who gave me a hard time and made me grow. I feel like a better rider, and I hope I can prove it.”
A Legacy of Growth and Lessons
As Bastianini prepares to close the Ducati chapter, his reflections reveal a journey filled with both triumphs and challenges. From his breakthrough performances at Gresini to the struggles of his injury-plagued factory tenure, he has emerged as a more experienced and resilient competitor.
Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as he embarks on this new phase of his career with KTM. Armed with the lessons learned from his time at Ducati, Bastianini is determined to turn the page and prove his mettle on a new stage. The upcoming seasons will undoubtedly test his adaptability and resolve, but they also promise an exciting opportunity to redefine his legacy.
