Just like the two day test earlier this week, reigning WorldSBK champion Alvaro Bautista proved to be too strong for the rest of the competition during Friday practice.
Although Michael Ruben Rinaldi feels as though ‘we need to work a little bit harder’ on day two of WorldSBK testing at Phillip Island, the Aruba.it Ducati rider was once again in the thick of the action as he narrowly missed out on top spot.
A hot topic of discussion in WorldSBK has been closed for another season after it’s been confirmed that a minimum combined weight for rider and bike was ruled out.
Aruba.it Ducati WorldSBK rider Michael Ruben Rinaldi will be without the coaching of former three-time MotoGP runner-up Andrea Dovizioso, after confirming the Italian does not have the time.
Alvaro Bautista has made his decision on whether to defend the WorldSBK title with the #1 plate or #19, which will be announced when Aruba.it Ducati officially launch their 2023 bike on Monday.
After making two costly mistakes at Magny-Cours, six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea is looking to ‘rebound’ and add ‘consistency’ in Catalunya, while Toprak Razgatlioglu expects a tough round due to Ducati’s top speed advantage.