Return to the big stage: Bautista in Sepang
It seems that Alvaro Bautista does not allow himself a break. Just two weeks after the conclusion of the World Superbike Championship at the end of October in Jerez, Spain, the current leader of the World Superbike Championship and reigning world champion is about to take part in another big race: He will take part in the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit.
Ducati’s wild card appearances in 2023
This will be Ducati’s third Wild Card appearance in the 2023 season. The previous two were in Italy – with Michele Pirro at Mugello in May and the upcoming race at San Marino, Misano in September. Interestingly, Ducati has continued to develop its relationship with Aruba.it over the past year, competing in three MotoGP events with the same colors worn by its factory Panigale V4R in the WorldSBK Championship.
Fresh impressions after testing
After completing two promising test rides on the Ducati Desmosedici GP, Bautista is preparing for his “comeback” in a MotoGP race, the first time since his last race in 2018 at Valencia.
Bautista’s thoughts on his return
The proud rider of the Aruba.it Racing Ducati, Alvaro Bautista, expressed his excitement about his upcoming participation, “I’m really happy to be able to race in MotoGP as a Wild Card at Sepang, a track that I really like and that I’m happy to be back at since it’s not on the WorldSBK calendar. The tests with the Ducati Desmosedici GP gave positive feedback: the feeling was good, and I had fun. I want to sincerely thank Ducati and Aruba.it because, without them, it would have been impossible to have this opportunity. At the same time, I would like to say that this MotoGP race will be a bonus for me and not a priority. That’s why we must stay focused on the WorldSBK Championship, which is the only thing that matters now. I want to stay focused for this last part of the season, which will be very demanding, with many races in a short time. The feeling with the Panigale V4R machine is good, and I hope to continue on this path. Then, when the season ends, we’ll think about going to Malaysia and having fun. Now I’ll have a little holiday, and then we’ll be back at Magny-Cours.”
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