Enea Bastianini may have missed out on the Japanese Grand Prix podium, but his performance at Motegi could prove to be one of the most encouraging signs of his MotoGP comeback.
The Tech3 KTM rider produced a stunning late-race charge on Sunday, setting four consecutive fastest laps and closing rapidly on Marco Bezzecchi for third. He ultimately finished fourth, just short of the podium, but the performance offered a timely reminder of what Bastianini can do when everything falls into place.
"I’m feeling very good, because I was waiting for this moment for a long time, to ride like that, and today it has arrived," Bastianini said after the race.
The result carries added significance after a difficult period for the Italian. Since leaving the factory Ducati team at the end of 2024, Bastianini has struggled to consistently reproduce the form that once made him one of MotoGP's most feared race-day performers.
Motegi was different.
Bastianini's pace improved dramatically as the race progressed, with his ability to manage the tyres becoming one of his biggest advantages. Tech3 opted for the hard rear tyre after a promising Sunday morning warm-up, and the decision appeared to suit both the KTM and Bastianini's riding style.
Tech3 team manager Nicolas Goyon revealed that Bastianini had already expressed confidence in the tyre before the race.
"Enea came back into the garage with a big smile and said, 'You know what guys, I've got something in the pocket. This tyre fits and suits my style quite well, so I believe I can do something strong in the race.' And that's what he did," Goyon told TNT Sports.
Goyon also highlighted Bastianini's ability to become increasingly competitive as a race develops.
"We know Enea is really strong in the second half of the race, and when everything is under his control, he's almost unbeatable," he said.
That strength was on full display in Motegi. Bastianini steadily worked his way into contention before producing his strongest pace in the closing stages, putting Bezzecchi under serious pressure for third.
The Aprilia rider, however, held firm to secure the final podium position.
Source: KTM Sportmotorcycle
Bezzecchi's defence was particularly meaningful given the difficult circumstances surrounding his weekend. He revealed that he had lost an important person shortly before arriving in Japan, making the podium especially emotional.
"'Bestia' was on fire and I wanted this podium so bad," Bezzecchi said. "It wasn't an easy week for me. I lost a very important person just when I arrived here in Japan, so I wanted this podium so much. I worked hard to achieve this, so I'm happy."
For Bastianini, fourth place still represented a major step forward. It was also only the second time this season that he had finished ahead of Pedro Acosta as the highest-placed KTM rider in a Grand Prix.
The result provided some redemption after Saturday's sprint, where Bastianini had been running in podium contention before being demoted for exceeding track limits at the final corner.
This time, there was no late penalty to take away his result. Instead, Bastianini left Motegi with renewed confidence and perhaps the clearest indication yet that his best form may be returning.
The championship picture, meanwhile, continues to favour the leading pair. Jorge Martin retained a narrow two-point advantage over Marc Márquez, while Bezzecchi remained third but slipped 47 points behind the championship lead.
With the title fight entering its decisive stages, Bastianini's resurgence may not immediately put him into championship contention, but his Motegi performance showed that he could still play a significant role in the races ahead.
