WSB Phillip Island: Bautista in three

Alvaro Bautista has imposed his authority at the World Superbike Championship with a totally dominant poster at Phillip Island; win all three races. On board the Aruba Ducati factory, the 34-year-old Spaniard took the victory in the all-new sprint race of ten laps before annihilating the peloton again in the last 22-lap race.

Onboard the all-new V4 Panigale, the WSB rookie was in a class of its own and at one point had an 18-second lead over reigning champion Jonathan Rea. At the checkered flag, Bautista crossed the finish line more than 12 seconds after slowing down dramatically to celebrate with his team as he crossed the line.

His Phillip Island master class must be attributed to his love for Phillip Island (he led last year's MotoGP race before finishing fourth) with the new Ducati V4 and his ability to make his Pirelli back end, where others were clearly obliged to drive to succeed. their last full race distance.

Bautista said, "If you told me, before we arrived in Australia, that we were going to have a weekend like this, I would not believe you. We worked very hard, especially during the two days of testing before the races and we were ready to fight.

"In Superpole, we had a good fight with Jonathan and in the afternoon, the conditions of the track were different, but I could do a good pace. I pushed harder than yesterday because I felt the tire was going to last, especially after the Superpole race with Johnathan because I thought he'd try to stay with me in the last race. I am so happy with the results. It's a day I will never forget! "

In what was a humble day for the conquering partnership between Rea and Kawasaki, the 32-year-old Briton still managed to grab three second places and a new lap record. of circuit. And although some experts are already predicting the end of Rea's reign, it's worth remembering that Rea has never been so strong on the Australian circuit and that he will probably be playing his revenge again on circuits where the lifespan tires will not be a factor.

Rea said, "We were expecting a very difficult race here. I've always had to fight for results here, so I ended up with three second places, a pole position and a fastest lap in the Superpole race; I am satisfied. Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done. We could not risk a little more today than yesterday. After the first race, at the Parc Fermé, my tire was almost the best, but my race was slower. Many other guys had problems, so today, with the temperature rising in the final, I had the same frame of min. I was just trying to get to the end of the race and not to abuse the tire. "

Sunday's race day was also strong for Rea's teammate, Leon Haslam. The BSB 2018 champion, who emerged from the first race, caught up with two second places in both Sunday races. Speaking particularly to his teammate during the third race, Haslam demonstrated that he was a great addition to the WSB paddock and worthy of his seat in the dominant Kawasaki factory team. :

He said: "It was good to get on two podiums today. In the ten-lap sprint race, I was a little cautious and got caught behind the Yamahas, so I calmed down. I thought I had a little in hand to catch Jonathan in the last race. I tried to create my own rhythm during the first four rounds. After that, I tried to save the tire and then created a group of five riders. It was a good easy pace and I felt good with my pace. Johnny and I had good passes; good battles. My plan was to leave with two laps to go, then he passed me in the first corner and I ran a little further. At the same time, it rose 0.4 seconds. I went with him and I caught him on the last lap, but I felt a little surprised. To fight with Jonathan on my first race weekend of the year, with his record in this class, I am happy. "

It was a solid, if not spectacular, day for Yamaha, who was clearly the best of the rest after Bautista and the two Ducati, but simply unable to fight for the podium.

Chaz Davies finished the final race in sixth position after clearing a step with the new Ducati V4. Unable to run at roughly the pace of his new teammate, the Welsh has some work to do, but should not be written off given his undeniable class.

The next round of the Superbike World Championship will be held in Thailand on March 15th and 17th. A track where Kawasaki has been strong, but a circuit that should suit the new Ducati because of its number of long straight lines.