Enea Bastianini transformed a twentieth place begin into ninth place throughout Sunday’s Dutch MotoGP, labelling it “one among our greatest outcomes” of a difficult 2025 season with KTM.
However past the factors haul, it was the sensation aboard the RC16 that provided 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 downside as a result of we’re shedding time,” Bastianini stated.
Having acquired 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.
Nonetheless, as soon as away from site visitors, Bastianini discovered himself unable to keep up the identical rhythm and remained in ninth to the chequered flag, 16 seconds behind Tech3 team-mate Maverick Vinales.
KTM lap instances, 2025 Dutch MotoGP
“It’s one among our greatest outcomes of the season, nevertheless it was additionally among the finest races by way of feeling on the bike,” Bastianini added.
“I used to be lapping like the opposite KTM riders initially once I was with different riders, however once I was alone in the midst of the race, I misplaced time sadly.
“I hope that we actually determine why this occurs so we will enhance.”
Bastianini led a five-rider practice on the flag, forward of pole-sitter Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha), Brad Binder (KTM), Johann Zarco (Honda), Alex Rins (Yamaha) and Jack Miller (Yamaha)
Crew 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 troublesome.
“Nonetheless, he saved pushing, and led the second group to take a remaining ninth place from twentieth on the grid, so effectively completed! The bike remains to be not excellent for him, however we’ve made steps ahead, so we have to hold getting in that route.
“A bit of week of relaxation for us, after which we are going to prepare for the following 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.
