EARLY IN THE season, three riders looked like they could be world champion. After this round, it now looks like only one. Alvaro Bautista has not won the WorldSBK Championship for Aruba Ducati yet, but even with 124 points still up for grabs in the final two rounds, a lead over your nearest rival of 82, it’s looking very likely.
If and when Bautista wins the title, it will be as much about him not making as many mistakes as his rivals – mechanical and human – as well as the acceleration and top-speed advantages he has over the blue and green bikes.
He is riding the wheels off the thing when he needs to and, with Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx) and Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team) on his tail, that is quite often.
