Alvaro Bautista's 2025 began from 9th place. After 66 laps, the Ducati rider preferred to cautiously approach the first day of the SBK winter tests at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit, where the wind inevitably affected everyone's work.
How did it go this Wednesday?
"The bike was moving a lot, and I risked falling several times. Luckily, it didn't rain as expected."
Did you have new parts?
"No it's the same bike as last year. Today, I just tried to grind kilometers to get reacquainted. In these conditions, it was difficult to feel at ease, but it's just the first day."
Twelve months ago you were back from an injury, now everything is different...
"Yes, this winter, I've been able to train normally, and I'm better physically. Plus, by now, I'm used to the rules and know what to expect."
What did you take action on today?
"We picked up where we left off in November. We didn't try anything major because the conditions were complex. There was a risk of going the wrong way, so we avoided making any changes. We only adjusted the electronics and set-up a little. Small things."
From the outside, it doesn't look like it, but Ducati engineers have been working hard to improve the bike...
"Since a different model will be used starting in 2026, the engineers didn't want to upset the design but just tried to get the most out of it, since the focus is already on the new bike. Personally, I still don't feel at my best. In the last test, we made a major change. Today was tough because of the wind that made the bike unstable and made it difficult to have a good feeling. Anyway, we hope to make good use of tomorrow, the two days in Portimão, and then go to Australia with clearer ideas."
What do you expect from the next few days?
"Hopefully, the weather tomorrow will be uncertain, but it won't rain. Worried? No, What's important is to work and find good sensations again without thinking of getting to the top in the first race. We need to reach a good level soon, but it's not the end of the world if we don't succeed in the immediate future."