SBK, Bautista: "One of my best weekends, the last two years have made me stronger”

Leading the pack over every single lap in each of the weekend's races is not something many can say they’ve done, but as of yesterday afternoon Alvaro Bautista is one of few who has actually achieved this feat. The Spaniard was simply perfect at Barcelona, dominating all three races and putting together a ‘triple’ to remember.

“Three years ago I had many weekends like this”, comments the Aruba Ducati rider, “the Buriram weekend stands out on my mind, where I led in every session. This weekend is still special anyway, as doing the triple is no easy feat this year, and doing it at home makes it even more special. After Magny-Cours, I did a reset and it’s all gone well. Let’s say that I’d put this weekend up there among the best of my career.”

Did the emotions get the better of you?

“Winning is always great, but doing it at home has a special flavour, also considering that the fans still couldn’t attend this time last year. Tears? The tight schedule between one thing and another makes that hard (he laughs), but it was all very emotional, yes.”

 Bautista: "I’m proud to have scored the maximum possible"

What was your secret on Sunday?

“We made a setup change before the Superpole Race, so as to exploit the tyres’ full potential, and it worked. In race 2 I stuck with my race 1 strategy, which was to make a strong start and stick with the group before managing my potential and building a lead. On paper, this was one of the best tracks for Ducati, and so to have scored the maximum possible points makes me very proud”.

Crashes aside, you haven’t finished lower than fourth to date. What’s your secret?

“A combination of factors. I’ve changed my overall apporach to many things. Three years ago I had no experience and was fast without knowing why, and then when I started to crash I didn’t have the answers either. Now I know how to reach the limit without exceeding it. From a mental standpoint, I try not to think about the title, and in this sense the difficulties of the last two years help me to do that. I prepare not to win, but to enjoy the bike as much as possible. Perhaps that’s strange and has to do with my age, but I want to have fun (he laughs).”

Fellow Ducati man Bagnaia made a mistake at Motegi. What do you think?

“I didn’t see the whole race, but I tried. Perhaps if he were to go back, he’d prefer to lose a point (he laughs). I think Ducati is strong in both championships, and can win both.”

Traslated by Heather Watson