WorldSBK Assen: Bautista’s ‘got the taste for victory’

Aruba.it’s Alvaro Bautista is on the hunt for more after a stunning return to the Ducati fold with a double WorldSBK victory at Aragon.

The second round sees the Superbike Championship arrive at the Assen TT Circuit with the Spaniard flying high after three determined battles for the podium at his home race on the Panigale V4. A confidence he intends to utilise across the Dutch event.

“The first weekend of the season was very positive,” Bautista confirmed ahead of round two. “I had fun and I tasted again the feeling of victory, but the most important thing is that we were always fast and consistent.

“We arrive at Assen with great ambitions, obviously. The TT is a circuit I like a lot, although we may have surprises in terms of weather conditions. It’s a very nice and smooth track, I hope I will be as confident as I was three years ago. We’ll try to get the best from each race.”

The Aruba team were further buoyed by strong performances from second rider Michael Rinaldi, as the Italian knocked on the door of the podium on all three outings but without success. The 26-year-old, however, is determined to set that right this time out.

“At Aragon, we started off on the right foot even though the sensations were mixed,” Rinaldi admitted. “We just missed the podium in all three races and that left a bitter taste in our mouths. Therefore, we head to Assen with determination.

“This track suits well both my riding style and the bike: we have to keep on making progress and aim for the best results on the podium. I can’t wait to be on track.”