Expectations are high as Honda is aiming for better performance than a not particularly satisfactory 2020. Alvaro Bautista is fully aware of the situation and needs to play a leading role in his second season with HRC colors.
In Japan they bet heavily on him a year and a half ago, and now it’s time to repay the manufacturer’s trust. At the press conference at the beginning of the season, Alvaro was full of hope and confidence.
“Here we are – declared as number 19 – on Wednesday and Thursday we will take part in the first collective test of the new year in Barcelona and I am curious to see what level we are compared to our rivals. In the winter we worked hard to develop the Honda despite the legal requirements. “
When you talk about regulations, you wonder how much the bike has changed …
“We haven’t made any particular changes, partly because the Honda has great potential and may be the one that has the most of it. We have concentrated on the details, of course there are new components and small updates that are being evaluated here in Spain.
Bautista then went into further details of the development …
“We mainly focused on electronics and coordinated with Japan so that development was going in the right direction. As I said, it was not necessary to revolutionize the project, but to make improvements that allow us to become more competitive.”
This year Alvaro will have an additional year of experience behind him and he is fully aware of that …
“In 2020, it was difficult to take big steps because of the pandemic. The bike was completely new and we had to stay on the track to do the laps. Unfortunately this was not possible and the difficulties related to the development were added. As we all know, it was not allowed to move technicians and engineers from Japan and development was slowed down. However, this winter we have worked hard and made some progress. In fact, we know what we want and which direction to go in order to get important results. “
Sure the goal is to win …
“Last year we managed to get on a podium and now the goal is to do better try to fight for victory and give you the success that Honda has missed for many years. In fact, we focused on the electronics to have a more capable bike and made small changes to ensure better grip on the rear. I feel ready, I know I can fight for better results and hopefully race wins and in Barcelona we’ll see where we are. “
Attention then shifted to the fact that Honda doesn’t have a test driver, unlike Ducati, who can rely on Michele Pirro.
“I don’t think a test rider is necessary in Superbike as we are not in MotoGP where we see new fairings and frames every year. In Superbike, a test rider can come in handy when designing a new bike like the Ducati V4 versus the V2. In this case, someone like Pirro will help you figure out the direction to follow. “
It’s less than two months until the start of the World Cup and Alvaro can’t wait …
“The more races there are, the better it is. I’m glad the World Championship starts in Aragon, a track I like as much as I’m excited to have so many races in Spain. For me it will be like a race at home. “
One final comment was about the vaccine …
“I saw that MotoGP riders and professionals were vaccinated. Here in SBK, I don’t know what’s going to happen. Of course, we must take all measures to avoid contagion and to be safe to protect everyone’s health. “
Haslam: “I’m the strongest I’ve ever seen and ready to have fun on the bike, as my father Ron tells me.”
His team-mate Leon Haslam takes on Alvaro’s ambitions.
“I honestly feel the strongest and fitter I’ve ever been, and now I’m very keen to get back on my fire blade – said the Briton. It was a tough winter and I had to postpone my training plan, but I’ve been very busy the past few months, spending time in Barcelona doing some flat trails, minibikes, tests, and endurance rides.
Now, however, all that matters is the stopwatch …
“Here in Barcelona we will try to take another step forward. Compared to 2020, we actually managed to run a larger number of tests that allowed us to enter the mileage. but above all to work on new and existing data. Personally, I expect a competitive bike because we have a clear direction and a solid starting point. “
At the end of May, Leon will blow out 38 candles. He is a driver with no lack of experience …
“In the last few years I have had the opportunity to drive for different teams and have driven many motorcycles as a result. This has been very useful for me, but especially for my team, as I can provide useful information to improve the CBR 1000 RR-R and make it more competitive. “
His father Ron is always by his side.
“He follows me on the track in all races and is an important contribution for me as he advises and corrects me. His special advice is to have fun every time I get on the bike. “