Alvaro Bautista (Angel Nieto Team) confirmed after qualifying at the eyetime Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich that he will not continue in MotoGP™ next season, confirming he has several options in both Moto2™ and WorldSBK to consider after the Austrian GP.
"I will decide after this race. I will look seriously at the options I have because I have options in Moto2™ and for WorldSBK. After this race, I’ll look at the options and, if there is something that motivates me for the future, I will do it. If not, I’d prefer to stay at home because you need to be motivated to ride a bike, like I am now with this team. I will see after this weekend.”
It was also confirmed by Paolo Ciabatti, Sporting Director of the Ducati Team, during MotoGP™ FP2. "Bautista in WorldSBK with Ducati? It is an option that we’re considering. Marco Melandri, our current rider, has performed very well, but we are exploring all options. Today, Alvaro is one of them. I think we'll make the decision in a matter of days."
Gino Borsoi, Sporting Director of the Angel Nieto Team, spoke about it during the premier class’ FP3: "Alvaro had a difficult period at the beginning of the season, but we have improved the set-up and we have improved overall. He is an excellent rider, he has been able to show his full potential in the last races. But it's not our decision, the new team has chosen another rider, we can’t say anything."