MotoGP, red light for Bastianini: he won’t be at Austin

First Marc Márquez, and now Enea Bastianini waves the white flag. The winner of the 2022 GP of the Americas will not be at Austin this weekend, despite his best efforts and a real desire to return, which culminated in a day’s testing at Misano yesterday, a day that gave him a chance to reflect.

Having continued with his rehabilitation and received the OK from doctor Giuseppe Porcellini, Enea was on track at Misano yesterday, keen to assess his condition on track, aboard a Ducati Panigale V4.

First laps following injury for Bastianini

---

Arriving in the afternoon, the Italian spent time setting up his seat position under the watchful eye of Michele Pirro (there for a track day with clients from his Garage51) before taking to the track. He completed two twenty-minute exits, without painkillers, for a total of about 10 laps, followed by the customary checks with his technical staff and physiotherapist.

These briefings carried on long after the track action, with Enea (understandably) keen to take the first flight out to the USA, despite the pain and the reluctance of the medical staff. The extended meeting in the Misano paddock did not appear to have changed Bastianini’s mind but then came the about face, with an official communication from Ducati confirming that Pirro will replace the factory rider at Austin. At this point, the Italian will continue with his recovery at home and looks set to return for the Jerez GP, scheduled for the weekend of 30 April.

Pirro to stand in for Bastianini

---

Despite the Ducati rider’s best efforts, the medical test results have ruled him out. Ducati confirms that the Ducati rider will be replaced by Michele Pirro at the GP of the Americas.