At 40 years, Alvaro Bautista sets out in pursuit of a third world championship title. Without qualms, aware of being stronger than before.
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At 40 years, Alvaro Bautista will set out to conquer his third consecutive Superbike World Championship. Enthusiasts and insiders alike consider the Spaniard the driver to beat, still enthused by the impressive winning streak he has achieved over the past two literally triumphant seasons. This year he has achieved 27 victories and reached the podium 31 times, in a total of 36 races. An impressive track record, beyond the reach of everyone, even a Toprak Razgatlioglu very fast and very consistent: the Turk only missed the podium three times, including once due to a rear tire failure in Most. The Yamaha being constantly outclassed by the Ducati missile, the pursuer could not do better. Is Alvarito's supremacy likely to be undermined by technical regulation “24”?
A weight on the shoulders
There is little talk about it so far, but the change in regulations which will come into force next season risks upsetting hierarchies which have seemed frozen for two years. Due to the rule on combined rider-motorcycle weight,
Alvaro Bautista will have to carry the heavy burden of six kilos of ballast, which Ducati is studying where to place on board to minimize its effects. Six kilos is a lot, considering that manufacturers spend colossal sums to shave a few grams. The extra weight will affect handling and tire wear, an art at which Bautista is a master. Not only its usual rivals Jonathan Rhea et Toprak Razgatlioglu won't have ballast, but most of Ducati's other satellite riders won't either. Andrea Iannone, for example, will compete in 36 races six kilos lighter than Bautista. It is difficult to predict the impact, but it will certainly not be negligible.
No pressure
While waiting for the resumption of track work on January 24 and 25 in Jerez, Alvaro Bautista enjoys a well-deserved rest after the Ducati party in Bologna (photos). “I chose to run with the number 1 because everyone knows that it is the symbol of supremacy”, explains the Madrid pilot. “Many world champions prefer to keep their traditional number, but I had no qualms. I was convinced of my chances, I left without pressure because I tried to quickly forget what happened in 2022. Each World Championship has its own story. Winning a title is very difficult, repeating it is even more difficult. In fact, the battle with Toprak was very tough. The year before there was also Rea in the middle, so not winning didn't necessarily mean losing a lot of points. On the contrary, when you are alone with only one rival, each defeat weighs. I couldn’t afford that, because Toprak is a tough guy.”
Rea and Toprak fast from the start
Among the Magnificent Three, alone Alvaro Bautista
will leave with the certainties of a flawless Superbike like the Ducati Panigale, and the full support of the racing department.
“Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu made a change, convinced they can raise the level”, underlines the reigning champion. “Rea will find a very solid base at Yamaha. In the first tests he showed very strong and I expect him to be very fast from the first race. But Toprak, who joined BMW, has not taken a leap into the unknown, I am convinced that he will also be strong, very strong”. The Superbike competition is heating up, but number 1 is still on Bautista: try to take it from him, if you can...
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Paul Gozzi
