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What Was Enea Bastianini Referring to in Qatar

When He Said, "Viñales Has Access to a Different KTM

Than Us, Which We Aren't Allowed to Use"?

The MotoGP world is no stranger to technical controversies, but the comments made by Enea
Bastianini in the aftermath of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix stirred up a significant amount of
intrigue and speculation. His remark, “Viñales uses a different KTM than us, which we don't have
the right to use,” drew the attention of fans, pundits, and rival teams alike. To fully understand the
context and implications of Bastianini's statement, it's crucial to dissect the broader situation
within the MotoGP paddock, the role of KTM in the championship, and the evolving dynamics
between the riders and their teams.

motorcycles", it highlights the
opaque arbitrations of KTM – an
explosive topic in the middle of
the season. The ball is now in the
team's court.

Regarding his mood, Enea
Bastianini gives this indication: " I
left Qatar in good spirits because
we were growing and I had a
good rhythm. I don't know if we'll
feel the vibrations in Jerez as
well., but if it is not, this could be a
good opportunity to do well”

Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM which has the effect of a bomb: " 1.The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix:
Tech3) finished the 2025 Qatar he uses a different motorcycle A Recap of Key Events
Grand Prix on April 13 in 11th than ours, but I can't say more...
place (+16.789 Marc Marquez, we don't have the right to use it. » The 2023 MotoGP season kicked off
winner), promoted from 12th Implied: Casa Particular in under the floodlights of the Losail
after the demotion of his Viñales would benefit from more International Circuit in Qatar, a track
teammate Maverick Vinales, efficient equipment or an known for its fast corners and the
dropped from 2nd to 14th due to upgrade not accessible to the unique challenge it presents to
incorrect tire pressure. Starting Italian. riders. For Bastianini and his Ducati
20th, the Italian praised his team, Qatar was a critical opening to
team's progress, but made an Proving that the Catalan's bike what promised to be an exciting
explosive revelation: Casa has potential, he drove a season. However, the race was not
Particular in Viñales uses a remarkable race before being without its challenges.
technically different motorcycle, demoted for "incorrect tire In the race itself, Bastianini, who had
a configuration that he and pressure." bastianini recognizes joined Ducati's factory team after a
apparently others, so Peter it: " he adapted from the start. » strong 2022 season with Gresini
Acosta et Brad Binder, cannot B u t t h i s s u c c e s s r a i s e s Racing Ducati, struggled to make an
adopt. His remarks raise questions: why such a disparity impact, finishing outside the top
questions about the strategy of between the two drivers? Team positions. While his teammate,
KTM. strategy? Prototype reserved for Francesco Bagnaia, was embroiled
Casa Particular in Viñales ? in a close battle for podium
bastianini was initially satisfied positions, Bastianini found himself
with his progress at Losail: " From Si Enea Bastianini welcomes " to grappling with the balance and setup
Friday to Sunday, we progressed be able to fight " now, his of his machine. The issue wasn't
as a team. Viñales' performance innuendos reveal a latent necessarily one of outright
proves the KTM can be fast. » But frustration. By leaving doubt speed—Ducati had the fastest bikes
it is his next sentence on GP One hanging over " two different on the grid—but rather how the

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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 13 May 2025