Bautista: Compared to Barcelona test, I’ve felt much better physically

Alvaro Bautista finishes the final pre-season test for Honda in improved condition compared to Barcelona; ‘I’ve felt much better physically, but I'm still not one hundred percent’, as WorldSBK double header approaches.

Robert Jones

10 May 2021

Bautista: Compared to Barcelona test, I’ve felt much better physically

Alvaro Bautista and Team HRC have officially concluded their 2021 WorldSBK pre-season following a two-day test at Aragon.

Other teams such as Yamaha, Kawasaki and BMW all tested at Aragon last week too, however, they tested on May 4-5 while Honda had the Teruel based circuit to themselves on May 6-7.

Following the lone Official WorldSBK test back in early April at Barcelona where Bautista was unable to complete the second day, the former MotoGP rider and 2019 WorldSBK runner-up felt ‘much better physically’ at Aragon, as he continues to recover from a chest injury suffered early this year.

Last week's private outing at Aragon was scheduled over two days for both Bautista and team-mate Leon Haslam, but the actual time spent on track was limited to half-days only as the former Ducati rider alluded to the team keeping some of their allocated testing towards trying out the new tracks (Navarra, Autodrom Most) for 2021.

Speaking after the test, Bautista added: "We have tried to make the most of these two days of testing, two half-days to be precise, as we want to leave time to test at the new tracks that are on the calendar this year.

"All in all, I'm happy with the feedback I've had from the bike over these two days because even though it's been very hot, we've managed to do a good job, a lot of testing, and we've gathered a lot of information to be more competitive for the start of the championship here at Aragón.

"Luckily, compared to the Barcelona test, I’ve felt much better physically (Alvaro sustained a minor but painful chest injury while training in early April), but on the other hand I'm still not one hundred percent.

"We decided to finish up a bit early to not compromise my recovery process considering the back-to-back races that await us in a fortnight. As I said, I am happy with what we have done and with the feeling I have with the bike and the team, and I am looking forward to the start of the season with confidence and good feelings."