Enea Bastianini transformed a twentieth place begin into ninth place throughout Sunday’s Dutch MotoGP, labelling it “certainly one of our greatest outcomes” of a difficult 2025 season with KTM.
However past the factors haul, it was the sensation aboard the RC16 that supplied the best encouragement for the Italian, at the least whereas in a slipstream.
“When I’m taking a slipstream, it’s a lot simpler for me to make the change of instructions, however when I’m alone, I can not push – the bike feels heavier, so it’s a drawback as a result of we’re shedding time,” Bastianini stated.
Having obtained a three-place grid penalty for disturbing Alex Rins throughout qualifying, Bastianini recovered to sixteenth on lap one and – aided by accidents forward – was as much as ninth by lap 6 of 26.
Nevertheless, as soon as away from site visitors, Bastianini discovered himself unable to take care of the identical rhythm and remained in ninth to the chequered flag, 16 seconds behind Tech3 team-mate Maverick Vinales.
KTM lap occasions, 2025 Dutch MotoGP
“It’s certainly one of our greatest outcomes of the season, but it surely was additionally among the finest races when it comes to feeling on the bike,” Bastianini added.
“I used to be lapping like the opposite KTM riders in the beginning after I was with different riders, however after I was alone in the course of the race, I misplaced time sadly.
“I hope that we actually work out why this occurs so we will enhance.”
Bastianini led a five-rider prepare on the flag, forward of pole-sitter Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha), Brad Binder (KTM), Johann Zarco (Honda), Alex Rins (Yamaha) and Jack Miller (Yamaha)
Workforce supervisor Nicolas Goyon praised Bastianini’s efforts: “I actually want to congratulate Enea Bastianini. He was upset yesterday after receiving his three-grid-position penalty, as a result of he knew that P20 would make issues much more tough.
“Nevertheless, he saved pushing, and led the second group to take a remaining ninth place from twentieth on the grid, so nicely finished! The bike remains to be not excellent for him, however we have now made steps ahead, so we have to hold getting into that route.
“A bit week of relaxation for us, after which we are going to prepare for the subsequent double header, beginning with the German MotoGP.”
Pedro Acosta, fourth throughout the road on Sunday after a mid-race podium problem, was the highest KTM finisher.
