Bautista to test the MotoGP: why?

Alvaro Bautista has done it, in the sense that, on 20-21 June, he will carry out a test with the MotoGP, fully supported by Ducati of course. The current SBK world champion, who appears on course to claim victory again this year, will undoubtedly enjoy himself but is the test an end in itself for the Spaniard or a sign of things to come?

Bautista, a very respectable CV, less so in MotoGP

The 125 champion with Aprilia in 2006, the winner of eight races in the 250 class, three podiums in MotoGP. Overall, considering the number of seasons he completed in the reigning class – no less than nine – Alvaro reaped less than he previously sowed and achieved in the minor cateogies.

This, in addition to the much talked about Phillip Island race in 2018, left a bittersweet taste as well as a sense of unfinished business. The Spaniard had the chance to ride the factory Ducati in Australia, standing in for injured Jorge Lorenzo. Bautista crossed the line fourth after fighting for the podium. On that day, roughly five years ago, it became clear that, with the right bike, Alvaro could have won or at least reached the podium. The move to SBK left him in doubt.

Bautista the best ever in SBK, but MotoGP is MotoGP...

We take responsibility for our words when we say that Alvaro Bautista, in his current condition, is the best rider we’re ever seen in SBK. By “best” we mean the rider able to win by a landslide, effortlessly, leaving little or nothing for his rivals. The Spaniard’s doing just that, right?!

But here we’re talking about MotoGP and the desires of a rider who is soon to turn 39. A true professional, a family man, a great personality and experienced like few others. The WorldSBK number 1 asks Ducati for a test aboard the Desmosedici, Ducati asks the number 1 for a test aboard the Desmosedici. Both reply: “Yes, I do”.

And here we are. We don’t want to be provocative, of course not. But the situation begs the question – what is the point of this test? To indulge the rider’s whim? Ok. To show that he can still be fast with a prototype? Fine. To demonstrate his superiority? No problem.

In the case of positive feedback, by which we mean lap times and nothing more, what else can this Misano test mean for the rider? A place in MotoGP? Mmm, no. Publicity for brands and sponsors? Perhaps. Nothing more, presumably, which is why we struggle to understand the point of the initiative. In testing the ‘toy’, only to have it taken it away again, might the rider not be left with a feeling of dissatisfaction?

P.S.

All of this does not diminish but rather lauds the value of the rider, the Aruba and Lenovo teams, and Ducati, true world-class references and deserved frontrunners in the SBK and MotoGP standings.