Carlo Pernat, one of the most influential figures in the MotoGP paddock and the manager of Enea Bastianini, recently revealed that he had been in discussions with Aprilia about securing the services of his client. Bastianini, currently one of the most promising young riders in MotoGP, has drawn significant attention for his talent and potential. However, Pernat has now disclosed that negotiations with Aprilia did not materialize into a deal because the manufacturer hesitated, missing the opportunity to secure a rising star quickly.
Pernat’s Revelation
In a candid interview, Pernat shared details of the talks with Aprilia, emphasizing that he had put Bastianini on the table as a serious option for their future. “If they had wanted him, they would have secured him in 10 days,” Pernat said, suggesting that the negotiations lacked the urgency and commitment required to finalize a deal. According to Pernat, Aprilia showed interest but did not act decisively enough to lock in the Italian rider, who has been linked to several top teams due to his potential.
Pernat’s remarks underline his frustration with Aprilia’s approach. As Bastianini’s manager, he has been proactive in seeking the best opportunities for the rider, ensuring he is positioned to compete at the highest level. For a manufacturer like Aprilia, which has made significant strides in recent seasons, securing a young and talented rider like Bastianini could have been a strategic move to solidify their competitiveness in the championship.
Bastianini’s Rising Star
Enea Bastianini has been a standout performer since making his MotoGP debut. Known for his aggressive yet calculated riding style, he earned the nickname “La Bestia” (The Beast) for his ability to fight through the pack and deliver strong results. His performances with Ducati have solidified his reputation, making him a hot commodity in the rider market.
With his impressive track record, it’s no surprise that Pernat explored options beyond Ducati, including Aprilia, which has shown great promise with Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales. However, Pernat’s comments suggest that while Aprilia recognized Bastianini’s potential, they were not prepared to move quickly enough to secure him.
Aprilia’s Perspective
Aprilia has been one of MotoGP’s most improved teams in recent years, transitioning from mid-pack struggles to regular podium contention. Led by Espargaró and Viñales, the team has achieved significant milestones, including their first wins in the premier class. However, their hesitation in pursuing Bastianini might indicate a focus on maintaining stability with their current lineup or a reluctance to disrupt team dynamics.
Securing Bastianini would have added a new dimension to Aprilia’s ambitions, potentially positioning them as a consistent title contender. Pernat’s comments, however, suggest that the opportunity to bring Bastianini into the fold has likely passed.
Conclusion
Carlo Pernat’s statement sheds light on how critical timing and decisiveness are in MotoGP’s highly competitive environment. While Aprilia has made strides in recent years, missing out on a rider like Bastianini could be a costly decision. For Bastianini, the future remains bright as he continues to attract attention from top teams, but for Aprilia, Pernat’s remarks serve as a reminder of what might have been. As the MotoGP paddock continues to evolve, the battle for top talent will remain fierce, and opportunities like this may not come often.
