Bautista ‘having a lot of fun’ as WorldSBK Ducati test concludes

Alvaro Bautista completed his first days back at work for 2022 with Aruba.it Racing - Ducati at Portimao on Wednesday.

Two days on track at Portugal’s Algarve International Circuit saw the Spaniard refamiliarise himself with the Panigale V4R, completing 149 laps as he worked through set up and technical evaluations before testing new Pirelli tyres. Bautista’s best time, a 1’40.055 set on race tyres sat the 37-year-old third on the final standings.

The test was also the first to include the services of former WorldSBK rider Chaz Davies, as the welshman returns to the factory Ducati team as rider coach.

“I am very satisfied with these two days of testing,” Bautista said from Portimao. “The feeling is already good and I am having a lot of fun.

“I feel that the experience I have gained over the last few years is helping me. If I have to be honest, I have found myself on the bike better than I expected.

“We worked a lot on the tyres today, trying out the new solution brought in by Pirelli. I am only sorry for the crash this morning: I made a mistake, luckily without consequences. I can’t wait to be at Misano”.