When Enea Bastianini crossed the finish line in Losail, the 2022 season gave a shot in the air that prompted several drivers to speak of the Italian’s feat as a possible coincidence. But Bastianini repeated in the United States. And Austin crowned a new sheriff.
The Borgo Panigale factory could do nothing but rub their eyes as they watched a 2021 Ducati, at the controls of a young rider from an independent team and debutant in the world championship, begin to set the pace of the season, becoming a reference for the MotoGP starting grid.
Little by little, the world championship paddock understood that chance was not the most accurate word to define what Enea Bastianini was doing. And it is that, at the gates of the European tour, his teammates on the track still do not know what name to put to that phenomenon that arrived at the shakedown in February dressed in the colors of Gresini Racing.
Enea Bastianini has shown his potential in the four races that represent the start of the 2022 MotoGP season. However, there are 21 tests that complete the calendar of the premier class, so the rider from Rimini will have to continue proving his worth to defend the provisional leadership that his last two victories gave him.
Despite having played less than a quarter of the season, the Italian is already presenting himself as a contender for the title in the premier class, along with a 2021 Ducati that seems to be the strongest on the grid. And it is that, in a very demanding circuit and where the physical level is essential to be competitive, Enea Bastianini is ready again to show his weapons in Portimao.
The Gresini Racing driver finished ninth last year at the Algarve Grand Prix, 13 seconds off the winning lead. Therefore, if The Beast managed to win again this Sunday, it could be confirmed once again that Enea’s talent is not a flash in the pan. Although there is no need to wait either, because the ” Bastianini Effect” has already burst into the paddock of the World Cup without return.
Riders like Jack Miller and Fabio Quartararo have not been slow to praise the style and charisma of the Italian rider, venturing to write his name on the sheet of candidates for the MotoGP title in 2022. And it is that, on the table, Enea Bastianini could be one of the riders who makes more of a difference with his style than with the bike he accompanies.
