Álvaro Bautista dominated the 2022 and 2023 seasons of the World Superbike Championship, but this year he is not able to win regularly and is third in the championship behind Toprak Razgatlioglu and his teammate: rookie Nicolò Bulega.
The combined minimum weight rule for bike/rider has affected Bautista in particular, as he is the lightest rider in the paddock. However, Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW) said, quoted by Motorsport.com, that he sees another factor in the performance of the Spanish rider from Aruba.it Ducati:
– Weight undoubtedly plays a role. His bike is a bit heavier than last year. It is also due to his teammate, who is very strong and was able to adapt quickly. He rides very well and is always fighting for the podium.
The Turkish rider also said: ‘He [Bulega] is kind of destroying him [Bautista]. That’s my assessment. I blame his teammate‘.
