P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Bastianini’s MotoGP podium return in Portugal “beautiful”
The Ducati factory rider secured his first pole position since the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit last weekend but could not capitalize on it during the sprint race due to a mishap with his front start device, resulting in a sixth-place finish. Despite the setback, Bastianini showcased a strong performance during the actual Grand Prix, finishing in second place after Maverick Vinales crashed out due to a gearbox problem. This podium marked Bastianini’s first since his victory in the Malaysian Grand Prix last year, and he expressed his satisfaction with the result, highlighting the flawless performance of the race leader, Jorge Martin. Bastianini set the fastest lap of the race on lap 21 but acknowledged that he could not catch up to Vinales due to time lost, ultimately realizing that winning was “impossible.” Despite aiming to challenge Maverick in the final lap, Bastianini conceded that a victory was unlikely on that day and praised Martin’s faultless race performance. This successful podium finish boosted Bastianini to third place in the championship standings, trailing Martin by 21 points and being ahead of his teammate Francesco Bagnaia by two points following a contentious incident involving Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.
