Alvaro Bautista has experienced a rollercoaster career in motorcycle racing, transitioning from his 125cc world title in 2006 and a strong 250cc stint to a challenging yet resilient era in the premier class. After securing four Grand Prix victories and finishing as the 250cc runner-up in 2008, the Spanish rider made his way to MotoGP where he competed from 2010 through 2018 with factories like Suzuki and Aprilia, alongside stints on Honda and Ducati machinery.
Despite never riding the absolute best equipment during his nine years in MotoGP, Alvaro Bautista managed to claim three podium finishes and secure fifth in the 2012 standings followed by sixth the next year on Honda. When no competitive MotoGP seat materialized for 2019, he made the reluctant switch to the Superbike World Championship with the factory Ducati squad, piloting the brand-new Panigale V4R to ten consecutive wins against fierce rival Jonathan Rea before championship mistakes cost him the crown.
Following a lucrative two-year spell with Honda, the veteran rider returned to Ducati in 2022 and cemented his legacy as the most successful rider in the Italian manufacturer's WorldSBK history. Armed with the number 19 plate, he accumulated consecutive world titles, 63 race wins, and 126 podiums through a dominant display of skill and machine synergy.
Reflecting on his transition from Grand Prix racing, Alvaro Bautista admitted to Speedweek that his initial perception of Superbikes being a lower tier was completely wrong. «In WorldSBK I got the chance to unleash my potential,» he stated. «In MotoGP I couldn't find a place anymore and initially I didn't want to go to WorldSBK. When I arrived, I found out that it is not a lower level, it is just different. You cannot compare them. MotoGP is not better, it is different. I enjoyed it from the beginning and got the chance to win many races and two titles.»
Despite the immense success and personal fulfillment found in the production-based series, the reigning powerhouse also confessed to harboring frustration toward the championship's rulebook. The regulations introduced in recent seasons have created a complex environment, leaving the decorated champion with a distinct love-hate sentiment toward the very paddock where he achieved legendary status.
Baca Juga
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