WorldSBK: Alvaro Bautista makes decision on whether to run #19 or #1 ahead of title defence

Alvaro Bautista has made his decision on whether to defend the WorldSBK title with the #1 plate or #19, which will be announced when Aruba.it Ducati officially launch their 2023 bike on Monday.
Alvaro Bautista, Ducati WorldSBK Phillip Island
Alvaro Bautista, Ducati WorldSBK Phillip Island

Following a similar path to MotoGP world champion 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Francesco Bagnaia, Bautista w🦩ill either swap from his traditional #19 or use the #1 which has been a constant presence between champions of late.

Unlike MotoGP where the last rider to use the #1 as a defending champion was 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Casey Stoner, WorldSBK champions have often donned the #1, with Carlos Checa the 🔯last rider not to do soꩵ over ten years ago. 

168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Tom Sykes, Sylvain Guintoli, 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Jonathan Rea and 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Toprak Razgatlioglu all changed to the #1 🅰after winning their maiden titles. 

“I think I made the decision,” said Bautista on his social media. “But if you wanꦬt to see what number I put on this bike, pay close att𝓡ention. Monday at 10.30, Spain and Italy time, you will all see it. I've already made my decision but I hope you like it."

Like the Sp🌸aniard, Bagnaia is also yet to publicly announce what number he will choose, although the Italian is yet to make a decision unlike Bautista. 

If Bagnaia goes ahead with the #1 then it will be the first time since 2012 that it has been used in MotoGP, after 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Jorge Lorenzo, 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Marc Marquez, Joan Mir and 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Fabio Quartararo all chose not to run the number. 

Bautista and Michael Ruben Rinaldi will officially be unveiliꦍng their brand new 2023 Panigale V4 R on Monday, January 23, alongside the Lenovo Ducati MotoGP Team. 

Both Bautista and Rinaldi will then be on-track for the firsﷺt time this year as they take part in a two-day test at Jerez on January 25-26. 

Also making their first appe🔜arances on the new Panigale V4 R will be all three satellite Ducati riders Axel Bassani, Danilo Petrucci and Phillip Oettl.  

Ducati are the only manufacturer to have their 2023 bike launch confirmed as of now, although more announ🧸cements are expected soon.

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