RIDER INTERVIEW
# ItalianGP
Rather than being overawed by his place in the factory squad , as he was last year , Bastianini feels settled in his current surroundings , and has now built a good rapport with crew chief Marco Rigamonti . The five-time MotoGP race winner feels more at home on Ducati ’ s GP24 , which allows him to release the brake and carry high speed into the corner , an area where he struggled on the GP23 .
“ I think compared to last year , we have made another step ,” he said at the second round of the season in Portugal . “ I think we are competitive , because in ( testing ) we were fast , we have always improved a little bit , and now we have to see .
“( The feeling with the GP24 ) is much more natural compared to the GP23 , and I have committed fewer mistakes compared to last year , also on track . And I think we can do another step , but we have to try other solutions during the future tests .”
Bastianini ’ s strong start to the year , when he has scored enough points to sit fourth overall is down to a change in approach . “ It ’ s a bit different compared to other seasons , because my objective is to be more consistent , also compared to the 2022 season , because I made 4 victories and also some podiums , but sometimes I was behind , and I think I worked also very well during the test to work better during the time attack . It will be important to demonstrate that you can stay always on top . My approach this year will be a little bit different to before .”
With Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez performing brilliantly in the championship , Bastianini knows he has his work cut out to retain his seat in Ducati ’ s factory team for 2025 . “ You know , the feeling is strange , because I have the speed ,” he said after a spirited fourth in France . “ But sometimes , you have to be lucky . At the moment , this is not happening for me . I ’ m angry also for this , but I think Ducati see my potential and see what I can do . But also , Ducati see what Jorge is doing at the moment . He won the race also today , and he ’ s a really fast rider , and I know Ducati ’ s decision is too difficult .”
Gran Premio d ’ Italia Brembo | 67