Bastianini still believes: "Mathematically we can play for the title"

Enea Bastianini will return to the pleasure of driving at the Motegi circuit this weekend, having not competed in the Japanese Grand Prix since the 2021 season, missing the event twice due to injury.

A factor that will certainly not play in his favour at the next meeting, although the latter assures that he will approach the sixteenth round of the world championship. MotoGP with confidence.

“It’s been a long time since I raced in Japan. But I’ve always liked the Motegi track, confides the Ducati rider on the sidelines of the event. Recently we have been fast on almost every track."

Although he lost big in Mandalika, after a fall, while he was in the process of coming back to the head of the race, defended by Jorge Martin, the Italian keeps his hopes of the title alive. In form during the last meetings, the n°23 will draw as much as necessary on his resources to try to undermine Bagnaia and Martin. At least while it is still possible.

"I'm happy to get back on track right away. I've left last Sunday behind me for good, He continues. The gap in the championship is widening, but it is still not mathematically impossible. It will be important to stay focused during these last races. I will give my best and I will always continue to push hard."

Marquez, a more credible target for Bastianini

With a 75-point deficit to the championship leader, Bastianini would need to gain an average of fifteen points from Jorge Martin, and 11 from Bagnaia, over the last five races to be crowned champion.

Although 37 points are at stake each weekend, there is little chance of this happening. Especially since the two main protagonists have displayed an impressive level of consistency despite their recent mistakes.

Bastianini must, however, maintain this ambition in order to defend third place in the championship. Marc Marquez is only three points behind him, riding his GP23.

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