WATCH: Throwback to Enea Bastianini walking around paddock in bathrobe at 2023 Malaysian MotoGP

As MotoGP gears up for the penultimate round of the 2024 season in Malaysia, one vivid memory from last year’s Sepang Grand Prix is back on everyone’s minds: Enea Bastianini strolling through the paddock in a robe. It was looking as if he was there to unwind at a spa rather than race at one of the sport’s most gruelling tracks.

Enea Bastianini’s unexpected choice of attire brought a touch of humour to the otherwise high-stakes weekend, turning heads and lightening the atmosphere at the intense Malaysian Grand Prix. The sight of him casually roaming the paddock in his robe painted a laid-back image that felt at odds with the heated battles on track—a moment fans and team members won’t soon forget.

Here is the video:

Throwback to Enea Bastianini walking around the Sepang paddock in a robe like he was at a spa day 🧖‍♂️😂🇲🇾#MotoGP#MalaysianGPpic.twitter.com/vIptcpr5Li

— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) October 28, 2024

This year’s Sepang GP, however, has no shortage of drama, as Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia gear up for a showdown that could decide the world championship. With Martin leading by a mere 17 points over the reigning two-time champion Bagnaia, the tension is at its peak.

A must-win race for Bagnaia and Martin!

A title win for Jorge Martin at Sepang would mark his first world championship, while Pecco Bagnaia is determined to keep his crown and push the battle to the season finale in Valencia next month. "It's really difficult to be Pecco or me at this stage of the championship," Martin admitted, highlighting the pressure both riders are under. Recognizing the resilience of his competitor, Martin called Bagnaia “a great champion," and shared his excitement for this high-stakes rivalry.

The damp conditions of last weekend's Thai GP in Buriram gave fans a taste of what may await in Sepang, with rain potentially forecasted for both Saturday’s sprint and Sunday’s main race. Martin found himself cautiously navigating the wet track in Thailand, finishing second behind Bagnaia, who seized his ninth GP win of the season and a critical confidence boost heading into Malaysia.

“Malaysia is another good track for us,” Bagnaia commented, referring to his consistent strength there. Last season, he secured third place in Sepang, just behind his Ducati teammate Bastianini, who took first, with Martin trailing in fourth. This year, however, the stakes are even higher, and Bagnaia is approaching the challenge with steely determination.