Enea Bastianini bounces back to 5th in #AustralianGP, Fabio Di Giannantonio 20th

A superb comeback marked Enea Bastianini’s race, as the Australian encounter had its share of drama. After a not-too-exciting start, a jolt after few laps activated the airbag system on the #23’s leathers; from then onwards, he put together an incredible pace, which allowed ‘Bestia’ to secure fifth place and keep his title hopes alive.

Today’s top-five result translates in a bunch of points lost to Bagnaia, but plenty recovered on Quartararo (DNF) and a few on Espargaró (9th). Bastianini is still 4th, but only 15 points away from the top three and still mathematically in contention for the title (-42 points).

Fabio Di Giannantonio on the other hand, had an unluckier race as he was on the receiving end of a manoeuvre by Crutchlow that pushed him wide after only four laps. From then on, it was a solitary race for the #49, who crossed the line 20th.

5th – ENEA BASTIANINI #23 (4th in the championship standings with 191 points)

I’m only half happy because we had without a doubt a great race, but a better starting position would have helped and not just a little bit. Even two positions would have changed the race. In any case, we’re happy: we had a great pace and recovered many positions and why not, even some points in the standings. We’re still in the title race and it’s never over until it’s over. We’re now heading to Malaysia, and we’re fully focused on doing well, and to do so on Saturday too.

20th – FABIO DI GIANNANTONIO #49 (20th in the championship standings with 23 points)

It’s a real shame, because we had found a good setting with the bike and we were showing it in the first three laps, after also a good start. Unfortunately at turn four, during the fourth lap, Crutchlow hit me and I ended up on the grass. After that, the race was over…