Alvaro Bautista has opened up about his future in the sport, suggesting a strong desire to remain in WorldSBK in the coming seasons.
Reigning two-time World Superbike champion Alvaro Bautista has recently provided insight into his future in the sport, hinting strongly at a desire to continue racing in the series for the upcoming season.
Following a challenging performance at the Czech round of the WorldSBK, the Aruba.it Ducati rider expressed optimism about resolving the issues he has faced with his Ducati Panigale V4 R.
After a difficult outing at Donington Park, where Bautista struggled to find the right balance with his bike, he faced a pivotal weekend at Most. Despite failing to finish either race on Sunday, Bautista left the Czech circuit with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity regarding his future.
“I want to continue,” he stated, emphasizing that discussions with Ducati about renewing his contract are underway. Bautista expressed that it would not be fair to end his career under the current circumstances, highlighting his determination to regain his competitive edge.
Bautista’s remarks come in the wake of a season that has not mirrored his previous successes. Last year, he dominated the championship, winning 14 of the first 15 races. However, in 2024, he has only secured two victories out of 12 races, placing him third in the championship standings, behind rookie teammate Nicolo Bulega.
This shift in performance has raised questions about his future with Ducati, a team he has been synonymous with since his return in 2022. Reflecting on his struggles, Bautista noted, “I have two feelings; on one side, I am struggling a lot, but on the other hand, I am eager to resolve this problem.”
His candid acknowledgment of the difficulties he has faced this season resonates with fans and analysts alike, as he seeks to find the form that once made him a dominant force in the championship.
Bautista’s recent performances have been marked by inconsistency, and he has openly discussed the need to improve his feeling with the bike.
“The approach is to just find something that helps me to ride as I want,” he stated, indicating a focus on regaining confidence in his riding. His recent experiences at Most provided a glimmer of hope, as he felt more in control of his bike than he had in previous races this season.
The challenges Bautista faces are compounded by the evolving dynamics within the Ducati team. As he navigates contract negotiations, the pressure to perform intensifies. Ducati has a history of making tough decisions regarding rider contracts, especially when performance dips.
Bautista’s previous experience in 2019, when he was let go after a mid-season slump, looms large in his mind as he contemplates his future.Despite the hurdles, Bautista remains committed to his goal of continuing with Ducati.
“My main choice is to stay in the same team,” he affirmed, underscoring his loyalty to the manufacturer that has been instrumental in his career. However, he also acknowledged that the final decision lies with Ducati, emphasizing the collaborative nature of contract negotiations.
As the season progresses, Bautista’s focus will be on regaining his competitive edge and securing his place within the Ducati lineup. The upcoming races will be crucial for him to demonstrate that he can still compete at the highest level.
“I need to enjoy again with the bike and feel strong on the bike,” he stated, highlighting the importance of both performance and enjoyment in his racing career.
The WorldSBK paddock is closely watching Bautista’s situation, as his future remains one of the most talked-about topics in the sport. With Toprak Razgatlioglu and other competitors continuing to challenge for the championship, his ability to bounce back will be critical not only for his career but also for the Ducati team as they aim to reclaim their dominance in the series.
