Alvaro Bautista in action at Misano for second MotoGP test

The current Superbike world champion completed his first test aboard the new factory Ducati MotoGP bike in June, with a view to potentially making a wildcard appearance later this season.

And while that remains an open possibility, Bautista’s second test at Misano is considered to be a development test for the MotoGP team, and not one that’s been set up to benefit the Spaniard. 

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After winning 16 of the first 18 races in WorldSBK this season, Bautista ran into problems at both Imola and Most.

Bautista crashed out of Race 2 in Imola as Toprak Razgatlioglu went on to win and cut into his championship lead, before a wet try gamble failed to pay off in Race 1 at Most.

Bautista finished 12th as Razgatlioglu came home in second, thus reducing his lead in the standings to under 50 points, however, victory for Bautista in Race 2 allowed him to regain a huge chunk of points as Razgatlioglu finished the weekend scoreless after crashing out of the lead. 

Unconcerned that riding a MotoGP bike will become a distraction for the remainder of the Superbike campaign, Bautista said this to Speedweek.

"To me, they're two different things. I do not mind. It's not like I agonize over making a wildcard appearance. If that's the case, then it has to be that way."

Summer break? Never heard of it @19Bautista is back on duty at Misano, this time on the @ducaticorse Desmosedici GP bike for some testing #WorldSBK pic.twitter.com/62hxyxfJdl

— WorldSBK (@WorldSBK) August 1, 2023