Fourth in the Superpole race and second in race 2 at Phillip Island, Álvaro Bautista had a mixed start – considering his aspirations in the WSBK championship – but still achieved his goals, especially after a difficult winter where he underwent surgery and is still working on his physical condition.
In an official team statement, the reigning champion expressed satisfaction with his performance on the track: ‘I am very pleased because the feeling with the bike has improved day by day. This was the main objective after a winter where we had some difficulties, also due to my physical condition’.
The best result during the weekend came in the second main race on Sunday, with the Ducati rider finishing in second place: ‘In Race 2, I regained the sensations from last year and that gives me a lot of confidence for the next round. The overtake by Alex Lowes? I didn’t expect him to pass at that moment, but in the last three laps I felt that I had a problem with the rear tire. Everything is fine’.
Alex Lowes leads the championship with 50 points, while Álvaro Bautista is fifth with 27.
