What can Alvaro Bautista expect in 2020? The Spaniard’s future is unclear, but he is clearly part of Honda’s new strategy in World Superbike Champion, which is set to lead the way.
The Japanese manufacturer HRC has put the means on the table due to Bautista’s comeback in the WSBK this season.
The CBR1000RR will be available to the former MotoGP rider Bautista and promises to be competitive in next year. The team will be based in Barcelona, with Alberto Puig at the controls; the technical team should be up to the challenges; and to lead the project.
In mid-season, Bautista led without shaking the overall standings and had impressive statistics – 19 podiums in 20 races, including 16 wins. But he then lost his footing (errors, falls) and the title flew away, recovered by a Jonathan Rea back to the top.
This does not detract from the fact that Bautista has the ability to play the win, as evidenced by his latest victory in Portimao.
“I hope I can fight for victory quickly. It’s difficult to say right now what we can do in 2020, but I intend to work hard in winter testing and start the season in the best possible way. I would like to fight for victory from the start, but we will have a better idea of the situation next year.” Bautista said.
“They want to come back as an official team and that motivated me a lot in my decision. Join the HRC factory is very important, it is a renowned manufacturer and their goal is to win again in Superbike.
“It will be a big challenge, I am aware of it, but I will give the best of myself and I will use my experience gained throughout this year to develop the machine.” Bautista added.
Bautista insisted to leave Ducati for Honda in WSBK. He has brushed off suggestions he is leaving the Italian manufacturer at the end of just a single season in the WSBK with Ducati is because it couldn’t match the money on offer from his anticipated new employers, Honda.
