WorldSBK Indonesia: ‘The team is perfect, bike was amazing’ - Bautista

New WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista had just come down from his state of high emotion at achieving a second World Championship (he was the 125cc Grand Prix title winner in 2006, of course) in time to be the focus of attention at the championship-winner’s press conference.

Flanked by both his Ducati and Aruba bosses, he said, “I started in this championship four years ago. I felt really well on the bike. We made a really good start of the season in 2019). Then for sure, I missed some experience in the category. I didn’t know very well the tyres. Some tracks were new for me. So, we did some mistakes. Also for Ducati it was the first season with the completely new bike. They did a really good bike, but still much to improve. Was not especially easy the second part of the season.”

Then the real learning experience kicked in for the Spaniard.

“I spent two years in another manufacturer. Two really difficult years for me because I never felt the same feeling I have with Ducati. But, it was positive for me because I learned a lot. I get a lot of experience in the championship. I get a lot of experience with the tyre. I tried to find something that helped me to go fast, to give my best on the bike, but I didn’t find.

“I remember the second year, in 2021, at the beginning of the season, I met Stefano (Cecconi) and Serafino (Foti). I said to them, ‘No managers’. I wanted to speak with them and they said, ‘Okay.’ I told them ‘I feel like a better rider. I feel that I still have something inside that I want to fight for wins. I feel that I have enough experience and I need now a bike and a team for win. Right now, I’m not in the right place and I need this. So, what do you think if we join again and we continue the work that we