Álvaro Bautista in MotoGP: After Two Titles, the Challenge at Sepang

Published by Stree Missile on 10/11/202310/11/2023

This weekend, Álvaro Bautista, the recently crowned Superbike World Champion, will embark on a new adventure at the Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix as a wildcard entry with Ducati. Following a spectacular season in WorldSBK, the Spaniard joins the MotoGP grid with the Desmosedici GP23, an opportunity presented as a gift from the Borgo Panigale house.

In a pre-Malaysian GP interview, Bautista shared his expectations, emphasizing that he doesn't set specific goals regarding results but aims to enjoy the event and establish a good rapport with the bike. Acknowledging the competitiveness in MotoGP, he understands that being close in times might not necessarily translate to a prominent position, but his primary goal is to feel comfortable and maximize his abilities.

Ducati offered Bautista the opportunity to be a wildcard at various circuits, and the rider insisted it be at Sepang, a place he likes and where he has had good performances in the past. Despite the pressure and expectations, Bautista sees this experience as an opportunity to enjoy, especially at a circuit that favors him and that he hasn't visited in a long time.

When comparing himself to Dani Pedrosa, who also participated as a wildcard this year, Bautista acknowledges the differences. While Pedrosa is an experienced test rider with many miles on the Desmosedici, Bautista is in a different position. He doesn't position himself as a reference, understanding the distinct circumstances and his lack of experience in MotoGP.

The Spanish rider will have access to a Desmosedici GP23 similar to the factory team's, and Ducati has encouraged him to simply have fun without the pressure of conducting tests. Although Bautista hasn't had time to review his previous performances at Sepang, he recalls historically performing well at this circuit.

"Besides Bautista's participation, the Malaysian Grand Prix will witness the intense battle for the title between Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martín. Bautista sees Martín as mentally strong and confident but highlights Bagnaia's security and experience as key elements. The fight for the championship in Ducati is presented as a confrontation between Martín's speed and ambition and Bagnaia's calm and experience. The equality in the competition, according to Bautista, makes it more sensible to let the victory be decided on the track without any 'stupidity'."