Bastianini recovers from food poisoning to take Czech GP sprint podium

Enea Bastianini had a difficult period adjusting to life in the Tech3 stable. The seven-time MotoGP winner has struggled since moving from the factory Ducati team, and his previous best result for the year was seventh at the Grand Prix of the Americas.  

The tables turned in the Czech GP sprint race, however, and the 27-year-old Italian came across the line in third to secure his first top three finish of the year. 

“It’s very emotional,” said Bastianini after the race. “To come from that situation [food poisoning] and to be here. I have sacrificed my life, I was thinking what I could do [instead] all the time when I was at home, when I’m here and [the answer is] nothing.  

“This [podium] has happened because of the team, all my guys pushing a lot at every track to give me the best bike possible and this time it’s come true.” 

Bastianini was ruled out of the German GP after suffering from food poisoning as a result of some troublesome chicken eaten at a restaurant before the weekend. However, he was glad to recover to such a strong result in Brno. 

“I’m happy because, yes I came from the hospital,” explained Bastianini. “It’s unexpected for me, this podium. But to be honest, yesterday I was fast and I saw my potential in every condition, and also this morning I was fast. I was a bit unlucky during the qualifying because I had some traffic during my last lap.” 

“On this track, my bike works not so bad, we are competitive but also checking with Pedro [Acosta], we are on top [pace-wise]. Pol Espargaro has been very fast today. 

“Our bike on this track works good, but also I think because I’ve never been here with a MotoGP bike before, it’s been a small advantage for me. I’ve been without any reference, without any lines. I start the grand prix with a different mind for these [reasons] and it has been better.” 

When asked if the resurfaced Brno circuit had been the catalyst for his jump in performance, he noted that it did have a noticeable impact. Bastianini said his bike was also a factor in the result, but admitted it was not without issues. 

“Yes, the grip is incredible, the grip of the track,” said Bastianini. “Today, we have suffered bit of chatter again and during the last three or four laps with the front, especially in the fast corners without the brake, the front was pumping a bit. For tomorrow morning, we have to try something on the bike that can help me, but also talking with Pedro, he has the same problem. We need to solve it if we want to be up there again.