After racing for 17 years in MotoGP, Ãlvaro Bautista (Talavera de la Reina, 38 years old) has found his place, where he feels at his fullest, in the Superbike championship (SBK), which visits the Barcelona Circuit this weekend – Catalonia. The driver from Manche, current champion of the category, is sweeping and on his way to his second title: undisputed leader, 8 victories in 9 races, 56 points ahead of the second-placed…
Is Superbike short?
I don’t know if I’m short, but I’m enjoying the bike a lot, more than in all the years in MotoGP. I feel that I can ride the way I want and that I can squeeze all my potential and that of the bike. Another thing is that maybe from the outside it looks like it has no rivals.
Is the Ducati that superior? Does it happen like MotoGP?
The difference is that in MotoGP almost everyone in front is with Ducati, and in this championship the only Ducati in front is me. The key to Superbike is the bike-rider-team combination. It is a Ducati that comes from the MotoGP concept, designed by Gigi Dall’Igna; therefore, my MotoGP style suits it very well, and the bike allows me to ride in a very natural way.
Is the level of riding discreet or is it not that far from MotoGP?
I would say that SBK riders have a different mentality. Those of us who come from MotoGP have a different way of working and facing the races. When I arrived in 2019 I saw less tension, more relaxation, and since then many began to adapt to what I brought from the other paddock. Nowadays the work in Superbike is more like that of MotoGP; it has become more professional, as many MotoGP riders come. This year there is more level with the arrival of Petrucci, de Lecuona, Vierge, Aegerter, Redding… In 2019 if he had a very bad weekend he was third.
Having spent 17 years in MotoGP, in contrast, what do you value most about Superbike?
For the spectator it is a brutal championship; you don’t see it in any other.
Why is it so different from MotoGP?
On Saturday there are three races on Saturday and on Sunday there is one short race and three more long ones. The public has access to the paddock, they can move freely, get close to the riders, and we are fan-friendly. The SBK fan goes to the races because he likes bikes, and not just to take a photo with a rider. And in the paddock, there is also a show: giant screens, speakers, games, prizes, signatures with the pilots…
Is there less division among pilots?
Yes, much less. There is more unity between riders and fans, we are more accessible, we try to serve people, there is less pressure. We all enjoy the weekend.
At 38 years old and in his 21st season in the elite, would he consider returning to MotoGP or has he already passed the rice?
At the moment I asked Ducati to do a test with the MotoGP as a prize for my 2022 title. We will do one, maybe after the Catalunya GP, and when I try it we will see how I feel…
Is it possible to return?
I do not think so. But if in the test I go one second faster than Bagnaia, maybe they [Ducati] will reconsider… In 2019 my idea was to return to MotoGP, but right now it’s not part of my plans. Superbike is a comfortable championship for commuting, especially when you have two little girls; there is less stress, less pressure. If they offered me to return to MotoGP I would have a hard time saying yes. I would be a bit lazy. I’m having a lot of fun on Superbike.
What did MotoGP lack to succeed? He only made three podiums in his nine seasons in the premier class (2010-2018)…
In MotoGP, I missed racing in a top team with a competitive bike, and the consistency of a job in a row. I always had to make a living on satellite bikes and I didn’t get to show all that I was capable of. I feel like I could have given more. Now I’m doing my best. Now it’s me. In addition, I agreed with Rossi, Lorenzo, Márquez, Stoner, Pedrosa, Dovi … Now MotoGP is more open; the satellites win and there are no those names that were in front either yes or no.
How does MotoGP look from the sofa five years after leaving it?
Now, better. The first year I was envious; not anymore I try to see it as a spectator.
And as a viewer, who do you see as your favorite this year?
Right now the strongest is the Ducati-Bagnaia couple, especially because of Pecco’s experience.
And sees Marc Márquez champion again?
Marc has the potential to be champion again, but it’s not just the physical factor that counts, there’s more. Having lost so much time not competing, with operations, has a psychological effect. This is harder to recover from than the physical. You have to regain trust little by little. I don’t think he will appear overnight and win. I don’t see it this year. I would be pleasantly surprised if he won the World Cup this year. I wouldn’t bet on him, but not because I don’t believe in him but because of the mechanical level he has: nowadays the talent of a driver is less appreciated than a few years ago. Now Márquez cannot show all his talent; he lacks rhythm and settling down psychologically.
Would you advise him to leave Honda?
I would just tell him to do what he really thinks is best for him. In this world you have to be selfish and look out for yourself.
