The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve hosted the second winter test for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati squad with Alvaro Bautista making his second appearance for the squad since his move back to the team in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. After the first test with the team in November, Bautista returned to the track for day one of testing at the Portuguese venue alongside teammate Michael Ruben Rinaldi for the first time.

Ahead of the test, Bautista’s main aim was to get back on the Ducati Panigale V4 and get back the feeling with the bike he made his WorldSBK debut on in 2019. The Spanish rider was able to test out a new swingarm on the first day of the Portimao test as well as a smaller fuel tank to suit his stature.

Explaining the changes to the bike, Bautista said: “Ducati worked really hard in the winter because in Jerez we found some help in the ergonomics with the new fuel tank, a bit smaller for my size. They brought it here, I tried it and I liked it. For sure, it’s not a thing that’ll give me one or two tenths but it’s more comfortable for me to ride the bike like this. With the swingarm, we are looking for a bit better rear grip. We are trying some different items. Tomorrow, we keep this mentality. Try to just adapt to the bike and my riding style to my normal riding style. Also, I would like to try the new tyres from Pirelli for the Superpole or Superpole Race to have first impressions and give information to the Ducati engineers and also the Pirelli engineers.”

Bautista arrived in WorldSBK in 2019 with Ducati and claimed 16 victories in his maiden campaign, including 11 consecutive wins from the start of the season. Although he was unable to claim the title despite that incredible start to the season, Bautista made the switch to Team HRC’s new project for 2020 and spent two years with the Japanese manufacturer. With just three podiums to his name in two seasons, Bautista returned to Ducati for the 2022 campaign.

The Spanish rider outlined how he is having to re-adapt to the Panigale V4 R after two years with Honda. He said: “I think it’s easier to adapt yourself to your natural riding style because in the last two years, I had to change my riding style and maybe I have to force a lot in some areas to get the maximum out of that bike. To come back to my normal riding style is easier. For sure, today I had to change some things but basically, it’s going very well. I am not 100% yet but we are on the right path.”

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