WSBK Superbike, Bautista rejects minimum weight rule: “It’s unfair”

Bautista doesn't want to think too much about the title, even though he will probably win it in Jerez. He confirms that he does not agree with the new rule.

About Matteo Bellan de Motoracing

The 2023 Superbike world champion will be crowned in Jerez and it will most likely be Alvaro Bautista. He is only two points away from winning the second consecutive title in the category and it is difficult to think that with two long races and a sprint he will not manage to achieve this minimum.

Baptist arrives in Andalusia without wanting to feel too much pressure on the probable conquest of the SBK world crown : " it's always special to race in Spain, especially in Jerez. I'm happy to come back here. The championship is not over, mathematically it is open. I'm approaching this weekend as if it were a normal weekend, I'm not thinking about the title and I'm not thinking about the points. I'm trying to have good feelings from the first free practice session and build a good weekend. We'll do our best and then we'll see what happens ».

Becoming champion in your home country of Spain would obviously be special: “ in 2006 I won the 125 title in Australia, far from home, and last year in Indonesia, still far away. If I win it at Jerez, it will be fantastic as i will share it with my family and friends. Would be very good. For now, it's best to stay relaxed and focused on the work, without thinking about the title ».

Alvaro Bautista: “ I'm not happy, but those are the rules »

Baptist was also asked about the 2024 calendar made official today, with the new Balaton Park (Hungary) and Cremona in Italy: “ I knew that in the past MotoGP wanted to race in Hungary and that it was not possible. I was never there. I've never been to Cremona either. If WorldSBK decided to race there, it is because the track is safe enough and of a suitable level to race there. In my opinion, it was a surprise to have Cremona on the calendar, we will see if we can go there to know a little about the track ».

An inevitable question about the new regulations expected from 2024, with the introduction of the minimum weight limit for the driver: “ I think it is necessary to have new rules to adapt to the times, but the one that I don't like is the one on the minimum weight because with this type of light motorcycle, riders have more disadvantages than advantages ».

« We have to put weight on the motorcycle and this makes it more dangerous, because it will move more than now and in case of an accident the motorcycle will need more time to stop. On some tracks we are at the limit with the clearances, having more weight on the bike they have to be widened. For me this is not a fair rule. I remember that in the past lightness was a disadvantage, in recent years it seems to have become an advantage. I'm not happy, but these are the rules and I will try the bike with more weight in testing ».