WorldSBK Indonesia: Points leader Bautista expecting ‘difficult weekend’

Runaway WorldSBK point leader Alvaro Bautista is expecting a difficult weekend at Mandalika has he has no data for the Ducati Panigale V4 to fall back on.

Last year, Bautista was riding for Honda during the inaugural race so doesn’t have the experience that rivals Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea enjoy onn their respective machinery.

“I’m happy to be back in Indonesia also because the passion for motorbikes is really strong in this country. This weekend will be one of the most difficult for us,” said the Spaniard.

“I’ve never raced here with Ducati before, so starting from Friday morning I’ll have to find some reference points for this bike.

“Also, the asphalt is new so we’ll have to work to understand many factors, including the grip. The uncertain weather doesn’t give us a hand in this regard but we have to be prepared for any conditions.”