Enea Bastianini still sore: “Do I race on Sunday? I decide after FP3”

A difficult comeback that could end sharply early.

Enea Bastianini was back on the Ducati at Jerez after missing Argentina and the United States due to a fractured scapula at Portimao. His Friday free practice at the Spanish Grand Prix, however, presented major difficulties, enough to call into question the continuation of the weekend.

In fact, Bastianini completed the day in 21st place in the combined timesheets and, to the microphones of ‘Sky Sport,’ admitted that he was still struggling with major shoulder pain. “I’m still not 100 percent, but I enjoyed today’s laps,” explained the Ducati centaur. “It was difficult no more and no less than I expected, I was aware that on entry I would struggle. As long as I take off I feel good, then I can’t go into the corner.”

The possibility of not running Sunday’s race, then, exists. “I hope to find better conditions during the day on Saturday,” Bastianini said, “I would like to contest FP3, and at that point figure out if it’s worth running. If I should be like today or better, it would make sense. If only to grind out kilometers. If I’m even worse, however, it will be difficult.”