WSBK Most J3, Alvaro Bautista (Ducati/1): “it’s incredible to start 14th and end up winning on Sunday”

Casually, Alvaro Bautista has come a long way in this weekend in Most which was not going well until this Sunday. From the start of the Czech meeting which marked the eighth stage of the WSBK season, it was obvious that the slate for Race 2 at Imola, marked by a retirement, was not going to be erased so easily. Especially since, during this time, Toprak Razgatlioglu regained confidence and ground on the handlebars of his Yamaha. But fate chose its side this Sunday afternoon…

Alvaro Bautista returned to the top step of the podium Sunday in Most, thus concluding a Czech meeting which could just as easily have restarted the championship. The Spaniard fought for victory with Toprak Razgatlioglu when the latter fell while leading and seemed to have done the hardest part by systematically countering all the attacks that the official Ducati. His formidable opponent on the ground, the reigning World Champion did not waste the opportunity and, after inheriting first place, he won an important victory in Most.

Alvaro Bautista: “ I would have liked to fight Toprak to the end, even though I knew I probably wouldn't have had a chance »

« Situations that are on track can change and we must adapt » Bautista comments with a barely concealed hint of relief. “ These last two days have been difficult but you never know how the races will go, anything can happen until we pass the checkered flag. So we must have confidence in ourselves. Today I stayed calm, I knew that if I stayed focused I would be fast, because on Saturday the feelings weren't too bad during the race. But it's amazing to start 14th and end up winning on Sunday ».

« I had a fantastic Superpole race and recovered well, allowing me to significantly improve my position for the second race » he adds. “ I wasn't expecting the second race because this track is not the best for us, especially this weekend. Then I started fighting with Toprak. He was really strong in the first braking zone. I don't know if he had a problem because he fell strangely, but I repeat: racing is like that, anything can happen until the end and we just have to do our best. I am very happy, including for my team who worked very well and knew how to take advantage of all situations. JHe thinks it's the best win of the season so far. With Toprak, we gave a lot of entertainment to the fans present and all the enthusiasts. I'm sorry he fell because I would have liked to fight with him until the end, even though I knew I probably wouldn't have had a chance. I'm very happy, especially for the team. We go on vacation with peace of mind » concludes the man who took off again in the championship.

Results of Superbike Race-2 in Most: 

Classification credit: WorldSBK.com