B𝓡astianini’s career with the factory squad has not properly begun yet - five rounds into the MotoGP 2023 season he has not started a single grand prix.

He sustained an injured shoulder blade in the first-♛ever sprint race at Portimao, caused by a collision with Luca Marini, and a comeback attempt at the Spanish MotoGP was aborted when he felt too much pain during practic💝e.

Ducati Corse sporting director Ciabatti was♚ a✅sked by if Bastianini will retain his seat next year and replied: “Yes, there are no changes planned. 

“We app⛄reciate what Enea did last year with his four wiওns and third place in the world championship at Gresini. 

“He also convinced us in the pre-seas♛on tests.ܫ 

“Unfortunately, Enea crashed in Portimao through no fault of his own and has now missed five grands prix due to༺ a fractured shoulder blade. 

“This is of course not an ideal situation. 

“B💦ut luckily, Jorge Martin, for example, helped us with his sprint victory in Le Mans…”

Bast🌄ianini entered this season as a credible threat to the MotoGP championship held by his new teammate Francesco Bagnaia.

They battled furiously last season, with Bastianini still a satellite rider albeit knowing he would be promoted to the factory team, leading to curious questions this year 👍about their personal relationship.

But they haven’𒈔t had the chance to test that dynamic due to Bastianini’s injury.

He is expected to be back in Mug💎ello, the next round.

Davide Tardozzi, Ducati’s team manager, has admitted that because Bastianini will be so far behind Bagnaia in the title chase, he might be asked to aid his 💃teammate in the final few races of the season.