Bastianini ‘not pressured’ by talk of Martin taking his Ducati MotoGP seat
Four-time grand prix winner Bastianini was chosen over Martin to take Jack Miller’s place at the factory Ducati squad for this year, following his better performances in 2022 with Gresini Racing. But Bastianini has endured a torrid campaign, which has been blighted by injury and a difficulty in adapting his riding style to the 2023 bike. With Martin just 11 points behind Bagnaia in the championship battle, there have been suggestions he could be swapped with Bastianini for 2024 if he wins the title – with Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti confirming at the Malaysian Grand Prix that this is a possibility. Bastianini is enjoying his best weekend since last year’s Malaysian GP, after qualifying third and finishing fourth in the sprint. Asked by Motorsport.com if it is tough to focus on improving his own form while the Martin rumours persist, Bastianini said: “Well, Jorge has done a really good season compared to me. “I have made a very disastrous ...