Enea Bastianini has set his sights on a return to the top step of the MotoGP podium as he prepares to make his return to Circuit of The Americas two years on from a celebrated Grand Prix of The Americas victory.

Fresh from scoring his maiden MotoGP win on the Gresini Ducati during the season-opening Qatar MotoGP, Bastianini notched up a second success in three races with a canny performance at COTA that saw him overhaul long-time leader Jack Miller in the closing stages.

However, it was a win he was left unable to defend last year after being forced to miss the 2023 Grand Prix of The Americas while recuperating from a shoulder injury.

Nevertheless, after a winter of convalescence to fully recover, the Italian has started the 2024 MotoGP season strongly and arrives in the United States on the back of a podium finish last time out in Portugal.

“I have a good memory from 2022 in COTA, it was fantastic to do a great victory here,” the Ducati Lenovo Team rider said. 

“I missed the race last year because of my injury, it was really bad for me but I come here from a great podium in Portimao. I am consistent at the moment and let’s see if we can continue in that direction. 

“We have a good set-up at the moment for every track, which is important, but physically COTA is one of the most difficult races, so let’s see if I can be fast again this year.”