Enea Bastianini didn’t have the best of performances at the Catalunya GP, after finishing in 18th position due to a penalty for not respecting the race direction and taking the “Long Lap” penalty after reaching the track limits more than once.
In his debrief, the Italian driver expressed his frustration with the race direction and explained his reasons.
– I had two long laps and then I couldn’t see the control panel. The control panel was too clear, but I didn’t agree because I overtook Alex on the track and, when we arrived, I braked much later and he braked even later and pushed me off the track. And for me, it was impossible to hold on with the brake. The only solution was to cut the chicane. I also lost time because I followed the long lap line. I waited for them to ask Alex to give me back my position for two, three laps, and then the long lap came to me. And I didn’t agree at all. And I made the decision to continue without doing so. I know it’s not the right choice, but we have to do something because nothing changes in every race.
He added about the meeting he had with the race direction after the race: ‘I suggested to the Race Direction that they watch the videos again. They saw them in front of me and didn’t dispute anything. Tardozzi also sent an email asking for at least the position to be restored, but they replied that nothing can be done after the facts. What puzzled me most was that the stewards thought I had gained time, which means they weren’t paying attention. Personally, I’m angry, but I can’t help it. Still, it would be nice if we could do something and make the drivers’ word count, instead of just thinking about the regulations. Perceptions and feelings are no longer valued, only written laws and, for me, that’s unacceptable, because there are situations where a bit of humanity is needed.