Red Bull KTM Tech3 confident for Argentina GP with Bastianini and Viñales

Red Bull KTM Tech3 looks to build momentum at the Argentina GP as Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales continue their MotoGP adaptation.

Maverick Vinales of Spain and Red Bull KTM Tech3 alongside Enea Bastianini of Italy and Red Bull KTM Tech3 attend the MotoGP launch party at One Bangkok mall in Bangkok, Thailand, on February 9, 2025. Photo by Anusak Laowilas/Nur

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The MotoGP season continues with the second round of the 2025 championship as the paddock moves to Argentina. Red Bull KTM Tech3 is preparing for an exciting weekend at Termas de Río Hondo, with team manager Nicolas Goyon confident that his riders, Enea Bastianini and Maverick Viñales, will deliver a strong performance for the passionate South American fans.

Goyon emphasized the significance of returning to Termas after its absence from the recent MotoGP calendar, highlighting the enthusiasm of the local crowd and the energy that makes the event special.

“The Red Bull KTM Tech3 team is now ready to head to Argentina for the second round, and for the first time since 2023! It’s a real pleasure for all of us to be able to return to Termas de Río Hondo, which is always a special place with MotoGP fans making the trip from all over South America to see the show! Thanks to them, their passion, their enthusiasm, and their energy, Termas transforms into a real three-day festival while everyone gathers to celebrate motorcycle racing, and we love going there!” Goyon said.

Bastianini and Viñales focused on improvement

Red Bull KTM Tech3 had a mixed start to the season in Thailand, with both riders showing glimpses of their potential but facing challenges along the way. Goyon reflected on their performances and the adjustments needed for Argentina.

Bastianini stood out in the opening race, climbing from 20th on the grid to finish ninth. His impressive race pace demonstrated his ability to adapt, but Goyon acknowledged that the approach for Termas must be different.

“Enea impressed us on Sunday with his ninth-place result from 20th position on the grid, but we will certainly approach Argentina differently. We won’t have references since 2023, and Enea hasn’t raced in Termas since 2022. We know that track conditions can change a lot throughout the weekend,” Goyon explained.

Meanwhile, Viñales had a more challenging start in Thailand, failing to make it into Q2, which affected his race weekend. However, Goyon believes that the experience gained in Buriram will help him perform better in Argentina.

“He couldn’t qualify for Q2 in Buriram, which made his weekend a little more complicated, but he certainly gained a lot of experience, which he will use in Argentina to improve his overall performance. I feel confident that Red Bull KTM Tech3 can give a good show to the Argentine fans!” he added.

Adapting to unpredictable conditions at Termas

One of the biggest challenges at the Argentina GP will be adapting to the unpredictable track conditions. Termas de Río Hondo has a reputation for significant variations in grip levels, which can shift drastically from one session to the next. For Bastianini, who last raced at the venue in 2022, and Viñales, who has had mixed results there in the past, the key will be finding a strong setup early in the weekend.

Red Bull KTM Tech3 will rely on data from KTM’s factory riders to accelerate their learning curve. The team’s progress with the RC16 has been notable, and the goal in Argentina is to continue refining the bike’s setup to suit both Bastianini and Viñales’ riding styles.

Looking ahead to the Argentina GP

As MotoGP returns to Argentina, Red Bull KTM Tech3 is eager to make an impact. With Bastianini’s strong race pace and Viñales’ growing confidence on the KTM, the team is optimistic about its chances. Goyon remains confident that both riders can build on their performances from Thailand and deliver an exciting race for the Argentine fans.

With a packed crowd expected at Termas de Río Hondo, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the 2025 MotoGP season.