Tech3's MotoGP team manager, Nicolas Goyon, reveals a surprising twist in Enea Bastianini's journey. Despite Bastianini's impressive start to the season, his mid-season crew chief change in 2025 had a profound impact, causing a decline in his results. The Italian rider, known for his seven MotoGP race wins, faced a challenging transition from his previous Ducati bike to KTM machinery. This shift in equipment and riding style caused initial struggles, with Bastianini managing only a best finish of seventh in the first ten rounds and failing to qualify higher than 16th. However, a turning point came at the Czech Grand Prix, where he qualified 11th and finished third in the sprint, followed by a third-place finish at the Catalan Grand Prix. Yet, this success was short-lived, as Bastianini's form took a downturn again, coinciding with the departure of his crew chief, Alberto Giribuola. Bastianini's reaction to the change was one of stress and disappointment, as he struggled to adapt to the new setup. Goyon admits that the crew chief's role is crucial, acting as a psychologist and motivator for the rider. He acknowledges that Giribuola's departure negatively affected Bastianini, contributing to his results decline. Despite the challenges, Tech3 is confident in Bastianini's potential, pairing him with a new crew chief, Andres Madrid, for the 2026 season. The team's focus is on supporting Bastianini's growth and helping him overcome the initial struggles caused by the crew chief change.
