Enea Bastianini Highlights KTM Struggle: Slipstream Woes in Dutch MotoGP

Enea Bastianini shed light on KTM’s performance challenges at the Dutch MotoGP. With a promising result overshadowed by technical limitations, can KTM resolve their issues to compete at the front?

Enea Bastianini, a former race winner with Ducati, has faced a challenging 2025 season since joining KTM’s satellite Tech3 team. Despite flashes of potential, such as a seventh-place finish at the Americas Grand Prix and ninth in Thailand, Bastianini has struggled to adapt his smooth riding style to the aggressive KTM RC16. The Dutch MotoGP at Assen became a focal point, where he climbed from a 20th-place start to finish ninth, yet revealed a critical weakness in KTM’s bike.

Bastianini described the Dutch MotoGP as one of his best results this season, overcoming a three-place grid penalty for impeding Alex Rins in qualifying to finish ninth. However, he highlighted a significant issue with the KTM RC16: it struggles without a slipstream. “When I am taking a slipstream, it is much easier for me to make the change of directions,” he said.

“But when I am alone, I cannot push – the bike feels heavier, so it is a problem because we are losing time.”

Bastianini expressed hope that KTM can identify the root cause of this issue to improve performance at upcoming races, particularly the German Grand Prix (July 11-13).

KTM’s reliance on slipstreaming underscores a technical challenge that could hinder Bastianini and teammates like Pedro Acosta and Maverick Vinales from consistently challenging for top positions. While Bastianini’s comeback in Assen showcased his resilience, the bike’s limitations in clear air restrict KTM’s potential, especially on circuits demanding solo performance. Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon praised Bastianini’s effort but noted that qualifying remains a key weakness for the team.

Bastianini remained optimistic despite the challenges: “It is one of our best results of the season, but it was also one of the best races in terms of feeling on the bike.”

However, he acknowledged the significant gap to race leader Marc Marquez, who won the Dutch MotoGP. On the X platform, MotoGP fans praised Bastianini’s recovery but questioned KTM’s ability to compete with Ducati and Aprilia without major improvements. Goyon emphasized ongoing efforts to address corner entry and direction changes, building on progress from the Aragon test.

Bastianini faces a dual challenge: adapting his riding style to the KTM RC16 and overcoming the bike’s technical limitations. The slipstream issue exacerbates his qualifying struggles, often forcing him to start from the back. Additionally, a difficult 2025 season and an expiring contract add pressure on Bastianini to prove his worth, particularly amid speculation about the 2026 rider market.

Post-race testing at Aragon provided hope, with aerodynamic updates improving corner entry and direction changes—key areas of concern for Bastianini. If KTM can address the slipstream issue before the German Grand Prix, Bastianini could achieve more competitive results. His Assen performance highlights potential, but consistency will be critical to restoring his reputation as a top contender.

Stay updated on Enea Bastianini’s progress and the latest MotoGP news at SPORTRIK. Subscribe for exclusive analysis and real-time updates from the world of motorsport.