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Bautista could've kicked himself today because, without a disastrous start, he could've had seriously challenged Razagatlioglu. For Aruba's Spanish rider, the Superpole was neither extraordinary nor disastrous 6th place. It was too bad that, at the start of Race 1 in Portimao, Alvaro couldn't take advantage of the second row on the grid. After the first corner, he even ended up 13th and, from there, he had to rebuild his race. He succeeded and crossed the finish line 2nd, seven tenths behind Toprak.
Alvaro, what happened at the lights?
"At the first corner, I was on the inside, while many were on the outside. I risked touching another rider and, at that moment, many passed me. I had made one of my best Superpoles this season, and I couldn't take advantage of it for this race. In fact, it was worse than usual. At least the race was very good to watch from my point of view."
Without that start could you have battled it out against Toprak?
"I think so, because I had the pace and Danilo did it. From what I saw today, it would've been possible. Another thing is whether he was going at the limit or one hundred percent, because I was at the limit. I gave it everything I had. We can't know that, though."
Tomorrow, you'll have a rematch ...
"I hope to start better, especially in the superpole race," he said laughing.
It's still a good 2nd place. What does it mean to you after so many rumors about you?
"For me, the rumors don't mean anything. I know very well what I lack and what I want. Having said that, it's a very important result because, in Most, I felt the same on the bike as last year, but the results hadn't shown my potential. Today, the feeling was very similar to 2023, and the result was positive. So this is the most important thing for me, because I'm enjoying myself again, even if I still need to improve."
Where?
"Sometimes, when I try to do something more, I make mistakes, as if there's a limit that I can't overcome, especially in the flying lap, but also in the race. Sometimes I go long or lose the trajectory. You have to try to increase the margin, which is exactly what I was saying last year. Then, like now, I always give my all. I wasn't winning with one hand. We didn't start well this season but, after Most, I gained confidence, and we need to increase it again."
Getting back to last year's level, how far away are you?
"I'd say I'm at ninenty percent. I'm close. At the beginning of the year, the conditions made a difference, but now I'm more consistent. Last year, we raced in Portimao at the end of the year, so to be close to those feelings is good. We still have small steps forward to make, though."
After a day like that, could you sign the renewal?
"Maybe I've already signed! You have to ask my manager ... he says, no!" he laughed.
