A year ago, Álvaro Bautista made a sensational debut in WSBK. Without an opportunity in MotoGP, he found himself on the new Panigale V4 R with the official Ducati seal. An initially happy marriage, marked by eleven victories in as many races contested at the start of the campaign. We know what happened next, which notably led the Spanish driver to embrace the project that Honda has implemented with its new CBR RR-R to regain a leadership role in the category. The first tests have taken place. They have already convinced Bautista that he will not relive the great series shared in 2019 with Ducati…
Alvaro Bautista therefore released a Ducati Panigale V4 R. heir to the Desmosedici Grand Prix for a unique Honda CBR RR-R where there is obviously much more to do. But the Spaniard had his reasons: “ the level of support is Full Factory Factory, like in MotoGP. The box is full of Japanese engineers. There is nothing to envy of a MotoGP factory team. Honda is serious, we are very supported and I am convinced that we will be able to fight for good results. »
He adds : " Honda relied on Alberto Puig to assemble Superbike team structure. This means they are serious. Kuwata also came to the tests, to help and see what the development looks like, and he is very involved in the project. On this side, I am very calm, because I feel very enveloped by Honda. »
Certainly, but the times are still far from the mark: “ I am in a new project, with a motorcycle that was born practically yesterday. In pre-season testing I try to understand the development path and have feelings with the bike, which is the most important for me. I focus more on my feelings and try to find out what I need from this bike to go fast, rather than looking for a lap or putting on classification tires, like everyone else does. Obviously it's better if you look at the top of the standings, but at the moment we have a line of work and we are looking more towards the future in terms of the development of the bike. »
« Last year I felt more comfortable from the start " remember Baptist. “ It was also a different type of bike, with the V4 engine, to which I was more accustomed. This time, with the inline 4 engine, it changes a bit. The first impression is a bit strange. Last year the bike fit me like a glove, but this year we have to work harder. Although last year the bike was new, they had been working on this type of engine and bike for some time. The project was not that new and this year it cost us a little more to start. »
He ends on GPone : " we still need to do more kilometers, understand the bike a little more and improve in certain areas. I don't think we will start like last year by winning the first 11 races. Anyway, Honda is very strong, they work day and night in Japan and I know they are trying to give me what I ask for to be competitive from the start. »
The WSBK season will begin at the end of February on Phillip Island, Australia. Álvaro Bautista will team up with Leon Haslam.
