In the GoPro British Grand Prix Press Conference, Alvaro Bautista (Angel Nieto Team) confirmed he’ll be moving to the WorldSBK paddock to line up alongside Chaz Davies in the Aruba.it Racing Ducati team.
His move over to World Superbike signals the end of successful 16-year Grand Prix career and motogp.com pays homage to some of the Spaniard’s greatest Grand Prix highlights, from 125 to MotoGP™:
1 – Donington Park 2004: First podium
In his second full season in 125, Bautista claimed his first Grand Prix podium at Donington Park in 2004, crossing the line in second place behind Andrea Dovizioso.
2 – Jerez 2006: First victory
In 2006, the Spaniard got his season off to the perfect start by winning the opening round of the season in Jerez and would go on to have his most successful Grand Prix racing season…
3 – Phillip Island 2006: Crowned 125 World Champion
Later that year, after a fantastic eight wins and six other podiums, he became 125 Champion at the Australian GP. His title for the Aspar Team came 18 years after Jorge Martinez Aspar himself was crowned Champion as a rider.
4 – Mugello 2007: First win in 250
After starting from pole at Mugello in 2007, Bautista came out on top in a three-way battle with Jorge Lorenzo and Alex De Angelis, with the Spaniard getting the better of his teammate on the run to the line.
5 – Silverstone 2012: First MotoGP™ pole
Riding the San Carlo Honda Gresini machine, Bautista beat Ben Spies and Casey Stoner to claim his first and only premier class pole position at the 2012 British GP. He would go on to finish fourth in the race behind Lorenzo, Stoner and Dani Pedrosa.
6 – Misano 2012: First MotoGP™ podium
Bautista would go one better later in that season, claiming his maiden MotoGP™ podium at the San Marino GP in third, behind Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.
7 – Silverstone 2017: 250th Grand Prix
The 2017 British GP marked a huge milestone for Bautista as he notched up 250 Grand Prix starts.
8 – 2018: A return to form
After a difficult start to the 2018 season, Bautista is currently on a six-race run of top ten finishes that started at the Italian GP, with his most notable result coming at the Sachsenring – crossing the line P5.