Enea Bastianini had to watch a hard-earned podium slip away after receiving a track limits penalty in the closing stages of the Japanese Grand Prix sprint race. The Italian rider delivered a standout performance at Motegi, showcasing competitive pace that should have secured him a top-three finish before the stewards intervened.
The incident unfolded as he chased down Jorge Martin, who began struggling with a sudden drop in rear tyre performance. Bastianini carved a full second out of the gap in a single lap, instantly recognizing that his rival was battling technical difficulties out on track.
Although he felt he gained no tangible advantage from clipping the green asphalt on the exit, the Italian accepted the decision professionally. He pointed out that the curbing design at Motegi does not suit the wide racing lines naturally taken by heavy MotoGP machinery.
Meanwhile, recent front-end updates on the KTM machine have given him a massive confidence boost throughout the weekend. Attention now shifts to Sunday's grand prix and the crucial tyre selection dilemma, with Bastianini admitting he felt significantly more comfortable on the soft compound.
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