Can WorldSBK Championship leader Alvaro Bautista secure his first win at Magny-Cours this weekend?
Championship leader Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Ducati – Racing) is looking at redeeming his best efforts at Magny-Cours for the Pirelli French Round this weekend, marking the 7th round of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship. This weekend will mark Bautista’s fourth visit to Magny-Cours, and his second with Ducati.
“Three years ago, I remember that my first practice was Race 1 so it wasn’t easy. I started from the back and then I was fighting for the win until Toprak [Razgatlioglu] hit me. Last year, I was quite good with Honda finishing sixth. But looking at the track itself and the weather conditions, I believe it will be hard for us. Let’s see, I go there positive with no expectations because I expect that we’ll suffer there.” Bautista said.
Heading into Magny-Cours this weekend, Bautista has some breathing room with Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 31-points behind.
Rea has been deemed the most successful rider at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, with 9 wins to his name – So, there is no doubt the six-time World Champion will be looking to secure his name at the top of the Championship once again.
“Kicking off in Magny-Cours is a great start. It’s a good circuit for me and the team. Our ZX10RR works well there and I have a lot of happy memories. So, being September and coming into the autumn season in Europe, we have to expect anything in terms of weather. But we will be prepared either way. After a really solid test in Barcelona a couple of weeks ago, I feel like we have a good base to start the weekend, and I look forward to continuing working with the team. Of course, the target is to be on the podium.” Rea said.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) is also no stranger to the French track, and one that would hold a lot of sentimental value to the Turkish rider. Razgatlioglu took his first ever WorldSBK victory at the Magny-Cours circuit back in 2019 and has a total of four race wins to his name here.
“After the test in Barcelona, we are ready to race in Magny-Cours. It’s my favourite track. Last year was especially great with three wins… not two! This year, I’ll try again for three wins. I hope we won’t have rain in France, and I will give it my best.” Razgatlioglu said.
Current WorldSBK Championship standings heading into Round 7;
P1 – Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Ducati – Racing) 298 points
P2 – Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 267 points
P3 – Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) 260 points
P4 – Andrea Locatelli (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) 148 points
P5 – Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Aruba.it Ducati Racing) 134 points
P6 – Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) 127 points
P7 – Alex Bassani (Motocorsa Racing) 115 points
P8 – Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 113 points
P9 – Scott Redding (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 110 points
P10 – Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) 79 points
