Enea Bastianini has responded to s🌟crutiny over his future with a superb start to ಞthe year.

Fifth in the Qatar grand pr🔥ix then second in Portugal and third 𒈔in America means Bastianini is even out-performing teammate Francesco Bagnaia after three rounds.

Factory Ducat𝔍i rider Bastianini finds himself second in the MotoGP standings, 21 points off leader♏ Jorge Martin.

“Nice to see Enea. He always comes forwards. That is his 🔴forte,” Michael Laverty analysed on TNT Sports after the Americas MotoGP.

“He is strong, he manages his tyres well.

“To pass Pecco, his teammate, on the same machinery on the final laps, and to do it with typical aggression? Enea is not scared of a luꦉnge up the inside of Peജcco.

“It was good to see from Enea. He’s getting himself back into proper contꦍention within the factory Ducati colours.

“Because everyone is after his seat f﷽or next year…

🍌“Look at Bastianini and you think he’s been under-the-radar. But he’s in contention.

“Ma𒀰rtin finishing fourth, that’s good for [Bastiꦬanini’s] title aspirations.

“It is a very long game. 💞There are so many conteඣnders.

“We haven’t whittled it down. There are still five or six.ไ”

Bastianini won the second-most amount of grands pไrix, behind champion Bagnaia in 2022 while a Gresini rider.

He edged Pram♈ac’s Martin to the factory ride but his 2023 was scuppered by injury.

Meanwhile, Martin took the title fight to the🍌 final round and has demanded to be given Bastianini’s bike next year.

But Bastianini, finally fit after his serious shoulder problem, is e🐼merging as a title contender himself this ܫseason.

“He is happy with his shoulder,” Laverty said.

“This is the most physical track🍨 on the shoulders. He’s got that answered, and he’s got the solution with his bike.

“He’s got the feeling back with the front end. “The GP2♊4 suits him. He’s got consist🐼ency.

“Second-place in the championship, he’s got confidence 💎growing and building.

“It’s a podium at the right time as we head back to🧸 Europe.”