Enea Bastianini may have to do something he’s ‘never’ attempted after looking at Pedro Acosta’s KTM data

Add as preferred source on Google

Enea Bastianini was one of the big strugglers of MotoGP’s Sepang Test this week. Lap times alone aren’t indicative at this stage, but the rider himself has admitted he’s lagging behind.

Bastianini has joined KTM satellite team Tech3 after losing his Ducati factory ride to Marc Marquez. A transition phase was inevitable given the dominant nature of the Desmosedici GP24.

KTM have painted Tech3, who are effectively running the same livery, as an extension of the factory team. But Bastianini doesn’t feel he can match Brad Binder or Pedro Acosta just yet.

The Italian was only 18th fastest on the final day of running. He wasn’t able to dip beneath the 1:58 barrier, when the leaders were setting mid-1:56s.

Acosta was the lead KTM rider in fifth place, nearly half a second ahead of Binder. Tech3’s other new signing Maverick Vinales pipped Bastianini in 16th.

Enea Bastianini says he might need to use unfamiliar set-up on KTM MotoGP bike

In terms of depth, KTM may have the best rider line-up of any manufacturer on the grid. Binder, Vinales and Bastianini are all race-winners in the premier class.

Acosta didn’t manage to take a victory in his debut season. But it was still one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in recent history as he finished just two points behind Binder.

The experienced trio want to avoid ending up in The Shark’s shadow this year. But Bastianini has publicly admitted that he’s turned to Acosta’s data for guidance.

He’s noticed that the youngster has a more aggressive riding style, compared to his ‘delicate’ approach. He makes this possible by using softer springs, something Bastianini may have to do if it delivers the best lap time.

Asked by GPOne if Acosta’s data helped him, he replied: “A little, yes, more than anything to understand what he does on the bike. He can force the bike a lot on the front, something I didn’t do. I’ve always been more delicate.

“He can put more weight on the front, using softer springs. It’s a style I’ve never adopted, but if were to prove the most effective [I would].”

Pedro Acosta’s facial expression will concern KTM fans after Sepang Test

KTM were full of ‘optimism’ when they left the MotoGP Shakedown at the start of the month. Under the rules, only their test riders were allowed to take part.

How will they be feeling after the Sepang Test? The consensus seems to be that they’re not yet satisfied with the new package.

They have another two days in Buriram next week to refine the RC16. The team typically take a cautious approach to the winter, waiting before they unleash their speed.

However, Acosta was visibly frustrated in the paddock, even if his interview answers were diplomatic. He’ll be desperate to start competing with Ducati on a consistent basis.