Bautista: So happy about Ducati choice for next year, Rinaldi ‘happy’ to sign

Following his announced return to Ducati for 2022, Alvaro Bautista has shared his first, but brief thoughts about returning to the Aruba team - a team where all 16 of his WorldSBK wins have come so far. 

Shortly after the inaugural Navarra round two weeks ago it was confirmed that Bautista would be returning to Ducati in place of BMW bound Scott Redding. 

Bautista’s return sees him join current Aruba.it Ducati rider Michael Rinaldi, who himself was confirmed for 2022 just days ago. 

Speaking ahead of round eight in Magny-Cours this weekend, Bautista added: "For sure, I’m so happy about the choice for next year. But right now we are in 2021 and we have a lot of work to do with Honda’s project. 

"We have some rounds to end the season and I look forward to this weekend because it will be nice to ride this bike in dry conditions. 

"Last year (Magny-Cours) it was all in wet conditions. So, I look forward to starting the weekend and working for Honda."

The move to bring in Bautista suggests Ducati are looking for specific rider characteristics, as the Spaniard and Rinaldi are similar from a riding but also height point of view. 

For Rinaldi, it’s an extension that results in a second year with the factory team, while also allowing the Italian to fully focus on the remainder of 2021 in order ‘to arrive better than ever next year’.    

Rinaldi said: "For sure, I’m really, really happy to sign again with the Aruba Ducati team. 

"It’s great to keep the same team for two years because you can learn and improve a lot. 

"For sure, the championship is not yet finished so we have to improve our feeling with the bike, with the team and to collect more data to arrive next year better than ever. Happy to sign but now I’m focused to do my best."