4-time grand prix winner Bastianini was chosen over Martin to take Jack Miller’s place on the manufacturing facility Ducati squad for this yr, following his higher performances in 2022 with Gresini Racing.
However Bastianini has endured a torrid marketing campaign, which has been blighted by damage and an issue in adapting his using type to 2023 bike.
With Martin simply 11 factors behind Bagnaia within the championship battle, there have been recommendations he may very well be swapped with Bastianini for 2024 if he wins the title – with Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti confirming on the Malaysian Grand Prix that it is a chance.
Bastianini is having fun with his finest weekend since final yr’s Malaysian GP, after qualifying third and finishing fourth in the sprint.
Requested by Autosport whether it is powerful to deal with bettering his personal type whereas the Martin rumours persist, Bastianini stated: “Nicely, Jorge has achieved a very good season in comparison with me. “I’ve made a really disastrous season, but additionally I’m nonetheless actually unfortunate from the beginning.
“In Portimao I used to be aggressive and doubtless my season will be higher with out this damage (after he suffered a damaged shoulder in a dash collision).
“You already know, we are able to’t discuss this as a result of I do know my potential however in all probability typically for those who attempt to do one thing extra, you don’t arrive at your goal, it’s a must to come again slightly bit.
“Now I’ve come again, I perceive what’s the drawback. I haven’t stress from this case, I’m solely joyful about my efficiency of immediately and to have enjoyable on my bike.”
Bastianini has been working with a thumb-operated rear brake at Sepang to enhance his corner-entry on the 2023-spec Ducati. This, together with modifications to the bike’s engine braking settings, has allowed him to make a breakthrough in type.
“Yeah, we now have modified additionally the engine brake in comparison with the opposite races,” he defined.
“We’ve got made an enormous distinction of set-up of the engine brake in comparison with all my requirements, in comparison with final yr.
“I wish to go quick, but additionally I must cease the bike and was my foremost drawback this yr. “And this answer with the rear brake right here has helped me lots to grasp how I’ve to do the nook.
“It’s harder if you end up within the race, when there are different riders in entrance, particularly within the first nook.
“I haven’t understood why it was tough however after two, three laps I’ve understood the right way to use this.”
Bastianini got here near taking third away from Francesco Bagnaia in Saturday’s dash in Malaysia, however says he elected in opposition to it given his team-mate’s championship state of affairs.
“Yeah, a superb battle with the 2 KTMs immediately,” Bastianini added.
“[Brad] Binder is admittedly exhausting to overhaul him as a result of he brakes actually late. I attempted from Flip 1 to Flip 2, and in addition later within the change of path with Jack [Miller].
“After I arrived to Pecco, I additionally made the choice to remain there as a result of it was higher for me, higher for him, higher for the group.
“Additionally as a result of it was harmful, additionally the entrance tyre was essential. I noticed an issue like mine on Pecco’s bike.
“For tomorrow we have to clear up this drawback as a result of for the lengthy race it may very well be an issue.”