Álvaro Bautista was discreet during the World Superbike tests that took place this week in Jerez. The 2022 and 2023 champion is still dealing with physical issues resulting from a neck injury suffered last year during his participation in the Malaysian MotoGP Grand Prix.
In statements to the official WSBK website, the Spanish rider from Aruba.it Ducati spoke about improvements in his condition: ‘After Wednesday, the issue for Thursday is that I was better physically. I felt better, not perfect. I still have some pain when I’m riding, especially in left turns, and I’m not as comfortable, but it wasn’t worse than on Wednesday. It was a little better, so it means that my physical condition is improving.’
According to Bautista, comparisons were made between motorcycle configurations over the two days, and it was decided what can be better or worse. And what he emphasizes the most is the accumulated mileage, as he stated: ‘It was positive because I was able to do many laps, although with some pain, but the point is that I didn’t have more pain.’
The winter hasn’t been easy for the rider, who couldn’t train properly as he explained: ‘I couldn’t train well in November or December, I just tried to recover with the physiotherapist. With a nerve, it’s always very slow and you can’t do much. You have to wait and not force it. I started my training at the beginning of the year, just a few weeks ago. […]. Fortunately, I can ride. Not perfectly, but I can. I hope to take another step in Portimão.’
