Four-time grand prix winner Bastianini was chosen over Martin to take Jack Miller’s place at the factory Ducati squad for this year, following his better performances in 2022 with Gresini Racing.
But Bastianini has endured a torrid campaign, which has been blighted by injury and a difficulty in adapting his riding style to 2023 bike.
With Martin just 11 points behind Bagnaia in the championship battle, there have been suggestions he could be swapped with Bastianini for 2024 if he wins the title – with Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti confirming at the Malaysian Grand Prix that this is a possibility.
Bastianini is enjoying his best weekend since last year’s Malaysian GP, after qualifying third and finishing fourth in the sprint.
Asked by Autosport if it is tough to focus on improving his own form while the Martin rumours persist, Bastianini said: “Well, Jorge has done a really good season compared to me. “I have made a very disastrous season, but also I’m still really unlucky from the start.
“In Portimao I was competitive and probably my season can be better without this injury (after he suffered a broken shoulder in a sprint collision).
“You know, we can’t speak about this because I know my potential but probably sometimes if you try to do something more, you don’t arrive at your target, you have to come back a little bit.
“Now I have come back, I understand what is the problem. I haven’t pressure from this case, I’m only happy about my performance of today and to have fun on my bike.”
Source: Autosport