Bautista to start with ‘basic set-up, we don’t have any reference points’

Alvaro Bautista’s best result of a sixth so far this season - Misano race one, is one he’s aiming to better after a good WorldSBK test in Navarra. 

Team HRC have struggled throughout the opening three rounds as crashes and mechanical issues have hindered both riders so far. 

Bautista is no stranger to Donington Park, home for this weekend’s round four of the season having competed there in both WorldSBK (2019) and his 125cc/250cc Grand Prix career. 

At the recent Navarra test, Honda formed a four-team line-up which included Kawasaki, BMW and Yamaha, although Honda only took part on day-one. 

During that test, Bautista found some electronic improvements heading into this weekend, which he believes can propel them closer to the front. 

"Donington is a very nice track, one of my favourites when we went there with the 125cc and 250cc championships in fact. When I returned two years ago with the Superbike I found it more challenging due to the type of bike, but still very enjoyable," added Bautista. 

"I especially like the mixed section of the track. I am also very happy to be back knowing that there will be fans in the grandstands because there is so much love and support for the sport and for Superbike here in the UK. 

"As far as the set-up is concerned, we don't have any reference points for this track, so we'll start from a basic set-up and try to improve from there. 

"In testing at Navarra we tried some electronic things that will probably help us in this race and let's hope the weather is good and we can work well all weekend, never a given in England. 

"As a team, we are really keen to take steps forward and move closer to the front, so we look forward to Donington with optimism and a determination to do well."