Alvaro Bautista is set to participate in the 2023 MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix as he takes on the role of a wildcard rider aboard a Ducati Desmosedici GP23. This marks his return to MotoGP after a significant hiatus, and he will be competing at the Sepang circuit, a track he holds in high regard.
MotoGP Malaysia
The decision to include Bautista in the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix stems from the series of tests he conducted alongside the Ducati MotoGP test team. These testing sessions occurred at Misano over the past few months and featured branding in iconic Aruba.it colours, were reminiscent of Bautista’s WorldSBK Ducati Panigale V4 R.
His Performance
Regarding his recent performances in the WorldSBK championship, Bautista had been contending closely with Yamaha’s Toprak Razgatlioglu. However, Bautista has managed to widen his lead in the championship to 74 points, with only four rounds remaining, partially attributed to Razgatlioglu’s unfortunate crash during the latest WorldSBK round in the Czech Republic.
Schedule
The scheduling of the Malaysian Grand Prix holds significance as it falls subsequent to the conclusion of the WorldSBK season. Consequently, Bautista will be well aware of the outcome of the WorldSBK championship prior to his appearance in Malaysia. This eliminates potential distractions or injury concerns that could impact his pursuit of the championship title.
Enthusiasm
Expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity to race once again in MotoGP, particularly at a favoured track, Bautista extended his gratitude towards Ducati and Aruba.it for facilitating this opportunity. Despite his impending participation in the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix, Bautista reiterated his unwavering focus on the WorldSBK Championship.
He acknowledged the upcoming demanding schedule, which features numerous races within a compressed timeframe, and affirmed his commitment to maintaining his concentration throughout the remaining segment of the WorldSBK season.
Wildcard
The MotoGP community eagerly anticipates Bautista’s performance as a wildcard rider in the Malaysian Grand Prix and the potential impact he could have on the race dynamics.
