Ducati is not the only one wondering: Will Bautista continue? / World Superbike Championship

When Alvaro Bautista invited people to a press conference in the hospitality of the Aruba team at the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona on May 4, 2023, there was uncertainty at Ducati if their then 38-year-old star would continue. Alvaro had spoken several times in the past weeks about wanting to spend more time with his young family. Then the good news came and he stuck with it for another season.

In addition to his success, Alvaro cited the support of his wife and family as reasons to continue. Since the 2022 season he has only signed one-year contracts. He doesn’t do this to keep all options open. “That’s also a motivation for me,” emphasizes the two-time Superbike champion. “When you have a long contract, sometimes you rest a lot. So I always have to do my best.”

Bautista had a great 2023 season, winning 27 of 36 races and the title. However, the start of the 2024 season was difficult after his injury in the winter. Taking his first win in just the sixth race in Catalonia, the Spaniard has 75 points in his account ahead of this weekend’s race in Assen and is third overall, twelve points behind the leader, fellow Aruban Nicolo Bulega.

Bautista assured Assen that he is not yet thinking about 2025, he will be 40 years old on November 21. But the 60-time race winner knows exactly what he is counting on for his sporting future. “Since Barcelona I’ve had a good feeling on the bike again, that’s important for me,” said Alvaro. “I want to have fun when I race my motorcycle. And I have to be able to improve. For this year’s field of drivers, I have to be better than before. That’s what I’m working on, that’s what I’m focusing on. The season is long, there are still many races to come, I’m in no rush to make my decision. Yes because I’m relaxed and focused now. Now I’m feeling more competitive with this bike than at the beginning of the season.”