#TheDefence – Title Defence Achieved: Alvaro Bautista clinches second consecutive WorldSBK title

Alvaro Bautista’s exceptional performance throughout the 2023 WorldSBK season culminated in his second WorldSBK title claimed in Race 1 of the Prometeon Spanish Round. Demonstrating a remarkable consistency and determination, Bautista secured 25 race victories aboard his Ducati Panigale V4R, establishing a new all-time record for the highest number of wins in a single season in the WorldSBK history.

From the very start of the season at Phillip Island to the intense battles at iconic tracks like Assen, Misano, Imola and more recently at Portimao, Bautista firmly established himself as the strongest contender in a range of racing conditions. His dominance, marked by commanding performances, enabled him to forge a substantial lead in the Championship standings, which proved crucial in the face of adversity. For instance, following a DNF in Race 1 at Aragon, the gap between him and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu narrowed to just 37 points. However, Bautista’s resilience shone through as he made a remarkable comeback with two victories on Sunday at Aragon and a solid Portuguese Round arriving at Jerez still holding a 60-point advantage.

Bautista’s triumphs not only highlighted his individual excellence but also the seamless harmony between his exceptional riding abilities and the consistent performance of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, as they look ahead to a promising partnership in 2024. As he stood atop the podium on numerous occasions, Alvaro Bautista demonstrated a mastery of his machine and a deep understanding of the tracks, further solidifying his status as one of WorldSBK’s premier riders. With this second title, Bautista’s legacy in the world of motorcycle racing continues to grow, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the World Superbike Championship.
P1 | Alvaro Bautista | Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
“I feel so happy! Now I’m starting to realise what we have achieved. I’m really happy and so proud of my team and people, because we had an incredible year. We won a lot of races, our performance in almost all situations was good. The best way to end the season is to defend the title. My two previous titles were won in Australia and Indonesia, so a bit far from home. It’s okay, you enjoy it with your team and friends there but it’s not the same as celebrating with your family, real friends, with your team and all the fans. It’s like a dream come true! It’s not easy to win a title at home. I’m so happy to win, but so happy to have the chance to celebrate with everyone!”