As ambient temperatures hit 29 degrees ahead of the race start, rear tyre choice was something of a question mark. Both Bastianini and Viñales were confident they could manage Michelin’s soft rear compound over 26 laps, even if nine other riders opted for the medium. 

The start was chaotic as five riders were caught up in a multi-bike collision caused at Turn 1. Thankfully, both Red Bull KTM Tech3 runners made it through safely, with Bastianini gaining six places from his grid position of 14th on the first lap. ‘La Bestia’ was soon involved in a multi-rider fight for fourth. Quick moves on Fabio Quartararo (lap three) and Diogo Moreira (lap four) meant he was in sixth and eyeing that fourth place, before a wobble exiting the final corner affected the Italian’s braking for Turn 1 of lap six.

As well as losing a position, Bastianini had contact with Joan Mir when returning to the racing line, which earned him a Long Lap Penalty. He then had to repeat the penalty for cutting the track at Turn 16. Rejoining in twelfth, the #23 rider was soon back in the fight for seventh and battled until the end. A neat move on Brad Binder at the race’s final corner earned him ninth place. 

Viñales was also handed a Long Lap Penalty early in the race due to cutting the track at Turn 10. Rejoining in 16th with clear track ahead, ‘Top Gun’ continued to adapt his riding style to this year’s KTM RC16 in his third race since returning from injury. There were clear signs of progress when he set the ninth fastest lap of the race on lap 16. After coming home 15th, he was handed a 16-second penalty due to his front tyre pressure being lower than the parameters advised by the official supplier - a likely consequence of riding alone after his Long Lap. 

After a hectic run of races, Bastianini and Viñales can now enjoy a well-deserved ten-day break before the Grand Prix of Czechia in Brno from 19-21 June.

Enea Bastianini: “It was a strange race. When I saw the incident at Turn 1, I thought there might be a red flag. But we continued and I was well placed, fighting for a good result. Then I arrived in Turn 1 without any brakes after the bike was shaking coming out of the last corner. I went straight on and when I came back on the racing line, I saw Joan very late. There was some contact and I was given a Long Lap. 

“After I tried to recover but cut the chicane. I lost the position to Toprak (Razgatlioglu) and tried to lose one second, but I probably didn’t. So, I had to do another Long Lap! After that, it was a crazy race, and it was very difficult to overtake the other riders ahead. The grip was lower than yesterday, and the wind changed through the race. When I was alone my lap times were good, and that’s important. I managed to overtake Brad in the last corner for ninth. I’m not happy because I didn’t achieve my full potential today, but we’ll go again in Brno."

Maverick Viñales: “There were parts of the race which were quite good, and I could ride in the low 1’39s. That was the target. We were quite quick without gaining many positions. At this moment, I’m still trying to understand how to go fast with this bike, but I felt we could do that over the course of the race. Somehow when I was alone, I could brake late and deep and the lap time was coming. Toward the end of the race, I was behind (Franco) Morbidelli. I had to brake a little earlier and the bike didn’t want to stop - I really had to put the load into the front. 

“The feeling I have is you have to ride the bike at the limit all the time on the brakes, and you must push over the limit physically. Still, I don’t quite have the strength to do that. I think I’ll be in a good physical condition soon. The week off will help me build up more strength.”

Nicolas Goyon, Team Manager: “There’s a bit of a bitter taste with Enea’s race. He finished inside the top nine, which is a strong result considering he started in 14th, but he had to serve two Long Lap Penalties. Without those, he would’ve fought for the top five, which was our target for the race today. I want to keep the positives of the weekend, which was Enea had strong pace since Friday. We must keep this in mind and carry this good feeling to the next race in Brno.

“On the other side of the garage, Maverick scored one point. It’s been another difficult weekend for him, but after some deep analysis with his team, he improved his pace through the weekend. He had the ninth fastest lap of the race, which is quite a decent result. Of course, his position is not what we’re aiming for, but we believe the next race will be another step for him. Let’s pack up everything and head to Brno, where we hope to improve on this weekend’s results.”