The words of the Ducati rider on the eve of the first race of the year
March 23, 2023
Aeneas Bastianini, together with Aleix Espargaro and Miguel Oliveira, he took part in the second press conference on Thursday, after that of the big three Bagnaia, Quartararo and Marquez.
The first words of number 23…
“I’m really excited, good to be here in the red. We worked well in the tests and we are prepared for the race, with the Sprint I think it will be different from normal, I will have to go fast immediately without the strategy of long races. We will see”
On the first race…
“The podium is the goal but I could also be almost happy with a top 5”
Are you talking about Saturday or Sunday?
“From Sunday, a top 5 for Saturday… I’d be very happy! Sunday, with the pace I showed in the tests, I’d like to go on the podium”
Does being official mean trying new pieces but also having pressure and bringing results?
“The pressure is the same compared to last year. I spoke to many Ducati engineers but the approach remains the same. The whole team is motivated. I don’t think it will be a problem for us.”
On the Sprint race…
“It’s a format that will also amaze many riders in my opinion. It could be that absurd battles will ensue, or maybe you leave and stay where you are. It’s a question mark for everyone”
Technical differences between Saturday and Sunday bikes?
“Certainly also the electronic maps, it will be more like a time attack than a normal race”
A vote from 0 to 10 for the winter and the tests?
“But, I’d say 7.5. I’m happy with how we worked. I had a little more effort than expected to adapt to the 2023 bike, but I’m slowly getting there, I’m not at the top yet but we know where to work. I found a a little more problems than the old bike, but I saw that the potential is higher”
Last year out of 20 races you and Pecco won 11, will we see other battles between you and him?
“I’m coming from a great season, doing better this year will be complicated, there are many fast Ducati riders and also others like them, Miguel and Aleix. At the moment I don’t know who could be the best but I think Pecco has the number 1. I have to do something special to do better”
Did you improve the aspect of being strong even in the first part of the race?
“Yes, I worked there in the winter. Sunday’s strategy is different from Saturday, I’ll have to attack immediately, but if you start from behind you risk crashing and it’s important to be in front then, qualifying is the key.”
And favorites in 2023?
“Casadei, Moreira, Acosta and Marc Marquez, because he’s won so many titles, he’s dangerous and I want to put some pressure on him”
