Alvaro Bautista threw in the cold in the WSBK paddock of Assen, already promised autumnal conditions for what will be his third round of his season this weekend. While it is possible that he will lose a star of the caliber of Toprak Razgatlioglu who is thinking about MotoGP, he must now also consider that Alvaro Bautista asserts his rights to retirement. Which would free up a prime position at Ducati which could only be of great interest to riders whose contracts end in 2023. Including in MotoGP…
Alvaro Bautista, by openly questioning the possibility of ending his career at the end of this year, shed new light on the situation in the transfer market. Reigning World Champion, and well on his way to doubling the stakes this season, with five victories in six races, he would a priori have no reason to want to stop the best period of his career except that he is approaching the 40 years.
Alvaro Bautista: “ if I don't want to stay, they need to know as soon as possible«
During the press conference before the launch of hostilities in Assen, the Spaniard declared: “ I haven't thought about my future yet, we only had two tests ". He adds : " maybe after this round I'll start thinking about what I want to do. I'm not old, but I have a lot of experience in motorcycle racing ". And he announces: “ I don't have a clear idea about my future. But I will make my decision very soon, not only for me, but also for the team. If I don't want to stay, they need to know as soon as possible. We will see. For now, I've no idea ».
If the departure had to be decided, as well for Baptist only for Razgatlioglu, THE WSBK would perhaps find itself in 2024 with its last two World Champions absent from the starting grid, which will have already been understood Jonathan Rhea. At Ducati, we should look at succession and there is not a plethora of pilots whose lease ends in 2023. Iker Lecuona is one, and, at 23, he has potential. There is also a certain Franco Morbidelli whose Yamaha handlebars are coveted by Toprak Razgatlioglu...
