Bautista wants more of the same after 'tasting the feeling of victory again'

Bautista is just one of two riders to beat six-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea at Assen since 2015 - the other being Tom Sykes during race two in 2018. 

Bautista’s double win remains his only podium finishes at the Dutch circuit, whether that be across WorldSBK or MotoGP. 

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But following a brilliant Sunday in Aragon where he dominated both races, the Aruba.it Ducati rider looks back to his best as he attempts to bring Ducati a long-awaited WorldSBK title. 

The Italian manufacturer has made no bones about the potential of its Panigale V4 R, which is why minimal changes have taken place over the last few years. 

So with Bautista back aboard their machine and looking as ready as ever to challenge the likes of Rea and world champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, it's no wonder the Spaniard feels great about his chances this weekend.

"The first weekend of the season was very positive," said Bautista. "I had fun and I tasted again the feeling of victory, but the most important thing is that we were always fast and consistent. 

"We arrive at Assen with a great feeling, obviously. This circuit I like a lot, although we may have surprises in terms of weather conditions. 

"It's a very nice and smooth track, I hope I will be as confident as I was three years ago. We'll try to get the best from each race."

Will Razgatlioglu take his first win of the 2022 WorldSBK season? 

One rider who should be battling for the win come Saturday’s race one is Razgatlioglu. 

Despite the Pata Yamaha rider calling Aragon ‘a good weekend’, the Turk was visibly disappointed by not being able to challenge Rea and Bautista for victory as front tyre grip was a sizable problem aboard his R1. 

In the aftermath of race two, Razgatlioglu said: "For me it was a good weekend, I tried in the race to improve and I’m fighting with Johnny sometimes, but in the last laps my tyres had a big drop in grip and I am not able to fight again. 

"Third position is not bad and I was again on the podium, so this is good."

But with that said, three podiums was by far Razgatlioglu’s best showing at Aragon, which is likely to be an ominous sign for the rest of the field. 

Although Razgatlioglu was unable to match Rea during the opening two races at Assen last season, the 25 year-old still managed to claim his first podiums at the Dutch venue, before being taken out in race two by Garrett Gerloff. 

Looking to correct the wrongs of said race, Razgatlioglu has one thing on his mind… victories! 

Razgatlioglu said: "I like Assen a lot and even with some bad luck, last year we were very strong there. 

"I hope to be able to fight for race wins again and will try my best. I am very lucky to have an incredible team – Yamaha and the team, they never give up, they have done an incredible job over the winter and we have been fastest in winter testing again and again – also pole position in Aragon. 

"It is this feeling I want to take to Assen, we will try our best to work for the races and we will see."