The FIM stewards imposed a penalty on Bastianini for conduct judged to be irregular during the MotoGP practice at Montmelò. Enea Bastianini concluded Friday’s MotoGP practice with a ninth place which allows him direct access to Q2 of the Montmelò Qualifying. Good news which however was later ruined by the official press release announcing a penalty of 3 positions. The Ducati rider was sanctioned by the FIM stewards for having obstructed a rider at the end of the session. He proceeded slowly along the trajectory of Curva 1 and this behavior was punished: irresponsible driving. The penalty will only be served on the starting grid of Sunday’s race, therefore on Saturday afternoon in the sprint race the Beast will start from the position he won in the morning Qualifying. Bastianini in the Ducati factory team again in 2024 Good news without contraindications is that Bastianini will remain in the Ducati factory team in 2024. Davide Tardozzi said this today in Montmelò, confirming what was actually already known. Despite a complicated season, due to the injury suffered in Portimao and the difficulties with the Desmosedici GP23, there were no doubts from the Ducati top management in deciding to give him another chance. Carlo Pernat, interviewed by Sky Sport MotoGP, commented on the news as follows: “It had already been communicated to us orally, but Ducati had to confirm Enea in the official team by 31 August. Yesterday evening the communication arrived which confirmed that he will remain in the team with Bagnaia. Now it’s 100% official.” Photo: Ducati Corse
