New satellite KTM rider Enea Bastianini has split from long-term manager and MotoGP paddock stalwart Carlo Pernat.
He will instead be managed going forward by Enrico Zanarini, a familiar face from the Formula 1 paddock who has previously looked after the likes of Eddie Irvine, Giancarlo Fisichella and Jacques Villeneuve.
Bastianini has been with Pernat (whose previous charges included Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi, Marco Simoncelli and Andrea Iannone) for years, with the paddock veteran (pictured below, centre) helping steward him from Moto2 world champion to a factory Ducati seat.
But Bastianini was unable to retain his Ducati spot for 2025 and missed out on a factory Aprilia ride to 2024 champion Jorge Martin, and will instead ride for satellite KTM team Tech3 this year.
His arrival there coincides with significant financial issues and what may well be a downsizing of KTM's racing programme in the coming months that could leave Bastianini high and dry should the Austrian factory decide to pull the plug, which may have been a factor in the end of his and Pernat's professional relationship.
He is rumoured to have signed for KTM on a relatively small financial deal and Pernat has even admitted of late that they perhaps moved too quickly to sign with the team, given what has since emerged not only about its huge budgetary black hole but also the departure of a number of key team personnel.
Bastianini will now instead be represented by Zanarini's MSM Group as he "reclaims a leading position in the championship", according to a press release announcing the deal.
"Enea's determination to compete at the highest level perfectly aligns with our vision," said Zanarini. "We are excited to support him in his pursuit of excellence."
Zanarini, a former racer himself, became best known for his involvement in F1 driver management, having first worked with Eddie Irvine throughout a career that included spells at Jordan, Ferrari and Jaguar.
Once Irvine retired, Zanarini (pictured above) linked up with Giancarlo Fisichella from 2003, guiding him through his periods at Jordan, Sauber, Renault, Force India and Ferrari.
Since then, Zanarini has also helped look after the careers of other Italian drivers including Tonio Liuzzi, Antonio Fuoco and Antonio Giovinazzi.
He has also dipped his toes into the world of two wheels in the past, though, and currently manages another of Pernat's former clients, four-time world champion Max Biaggi.
Despite losing Bastianini, it's unlikely that former factory Aprilia team manager Pernat will disappear from the MotoGP paddock. His remaining clients including Moto2 star Tony Arbolino and the Gresini Ducati team, for whom he retains a role as sporting consultant.
