P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Bautista believes World Superbike is now a legitimate alternative to MotoGP for riders
Alvaro Bautista believes that his move to World Superbikes in 2019 paved the way for more MotoGP riders to consider the series as a viable option for their careers by showcasing success with Ducati.
Having secured back-to-back world titles in 2022 and 2023, Bautista acknowledges that his initial reluctance to switch to World Superbikes eventually led to positive growth and increased professionalism in the championship.
He notes that since his transition, other MotoGP riders like Danilo Petrucci, Iker Lecuona, and Miguel Oliveira have also made the move to World Superbikes, further solidifying it as a legitimate alternative to MotoGP.
Bautista remarked that the addition of MotoGP riders such as Somkiat Chantra, Miguel Oliveira, and Jake Dixon in the 2026 season underscores the championship’s rising appeal and the improved level of competition.
He hopes that the continued growth and competitiveness in World Superbikes will attract more fans, particularly in Spain, where there remains some difficulty in garnering widespread interest.
