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SBK, Bautista: "Petrucci surprised me, I expect him to be among the front"

Bautista flies on the pace on day-2 in Jerez: "Usually in the cold, I struggle a little more, but both yesterday and throughout today I had excellent sensations. Here it was important to immediately understand the behaviour of the new bike and I am really happy because I feel at ease"

SBK: Bautista: "Petrucci surprised me, I expect him to be among the front"

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The second outing of the new year ended with a third position for Alvaro Bautista, just under two tenths behind the record holder Toprak Razgatlioglu. The reigning Superbike world champion took a major step forward and continues to be in tune with the latest generation Panigale V4-R, particularly appreciating the engine delivery, which is smoother than that of 2022. At the end of day-2 at the Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto, the Ducati rider said he was satisfied and is already looking forward to the next tests in Portugal from 31 January to 1 February.

"Usually in the cold, I struggle a little more, but both yesterday and throughout today I had excellent feelings - declared the Spaniard - although obviously the conditions aren't ideal. I prefer the warm weather, but they're tests and we have to take what we find".

Pirelli is using these tests to develop above all the SCQ solution: what can you tell us about it?

"I've tried both specs brought here and they are very similar, even the lap times you get are pretty much identical."

Are you satisfied with the work done at the end of these two days?

"Here it was important to immediately understand the behaviour of the new bike and I'm really happy because I feel comfortable. We're up there in the standings and the race pace is also good. In Portimao we will insist on the set/up.  In fact, the Panigale V4-R 2023 is identical to the 2022 and has an engine with better delivery. In the end, this is the character of the Ducati. Now I'm more precise in my riding, I feel more confident and consistent. We still have to perfect some areas, but it's not easy."

You had the best pace over the distance. And the others?

"I don't analyse my colleagues' times, I think only of myself. Often the winter tests are not very indicative and do not reflect the reality of things".

Did you have the chance to talk to Petrucci or cross him on the track?

"Of course, at the bathroom though (jokes, ed.)! Joking aside, I know he's very happy and that he has to keep getting used to the bike and tyres. On the one hand, I'm surprised as he went fast right away. As I said a little while ago, however, in testing you shouldn't focus exclusively on each rider's best laps. In any case, I expect him to be close to the front runners over the course of the season", concluded Bautista.

 

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