The Gresini team bids farewell to the Losail International Circuit with a victory that surprised its own regular rider. During the press conference after the race, Enea Bastianini confessed that she was not “expected” to win first place in the race, although she did fight for the podium.
“I didn’t expect to win, but when I saw myself up front I thought I had a chance and I went for it,” said Enea after finishing the race.
With less than four laps to go, the Rimini rider took advantage of poor track management by Pol Espargaró, becoming the rider with the most options on the Qatar track.
“At the beginning it wasn’t easy, because Pol was pushing very hard, but in the end I realized that the medium tire was the best option to win.”
“Pol has ridden in an incredible way, as has Brad. We have seen that KTM and Suzuki have come a long way since last year and it is very close, so the tires are key. Today I was the best when it came to saving tires and I hope to continue in that direction.
“I am very happy to win for the first time in MotoGP, the victory has not been easy, but we have done a great job since the test. We have arrived here very confident and with a very good atmosphere in the team”, which, he certifies, is very important to him.
The Italian driver confesses that the last laps in Qatar were “the longest of his life”.
“It has not been easy, because I had Brad so close,” he said. “I didn’t want to risk it, but it’s been magnificent.”
Enea Bastianini started from pole with a 2021 Ducati, a motorcycle that, says the Italian, “is very good” for him.
“When I tried it for the first time last year, I already saw the potential of this bike,” he said.
“The 2021 bike is going very well, and although I think the 2022 is better in some parts, I don’t think it has any advantage. Today I won and for now I can say that I have one of the best bikes.”
This is the first victory for the Gresini team since Elías in Portugal 2006.
“It’s fantastic to win a race for the Fausto team,” added Bastianini. “Now we have Nadia. The atmosphere is fantastic with the team. We are all very motivated.”
“I’ve looked Nadia in the eye and I’ve seen Fausto’s eyes, his motivation. When I’ve seen the faces of all the people on the team…it’s been wonderful,” he said.
The Italian pilot assures that this victory will not increase the pressure , since “he is not in the official team” and, therefore, “the pilots who have more pressure are those of the GP22”.
“I think we can have a good season and we have to stay focused,” he concluded.
