P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alvaro Bautista shared his visible delight with the day’s work after completing Day 1 of the Phillip Island WorldSBK test.
After a challenging 2024 season with only four race wins, two-time WorldSBK champion Alvaro Bautista is showing signs of regaining his form and confidence at Phillip Island. Despite a highside crash and limited testing time at Portimao, Bautista finished fourth and fifth in the Free Practice sessions, feeling positive about his progress. He attributed his improved feeling on the bike to minor setup adjustments and praised Pirelli for the new tire options that resolved past issues. Bautista’s contract with Ducati has been extended until the end of 2025, with team boss Serafino Foti emphasizing the need for a strong start to the season to rebuild confidence. Foti believes that Bautista still has a lot to offer and is hopeful for a successful partnership, evaluating the first few races before making any decisions about the future.
