Ducati Panigale V2 take first-ever win in WorldSSP • Whole Bike

The primary race of the 2023 WorldSBK season happened with persistent rain. 

Alvaro Bautista – who began from second place on the grid – chased Rea (Kawasaki) over the primary eight laps earlier than taking the lead midway by the race and ending by a large margin. 

It was an especially troublesome race for Michael Rinaldi, who was unable to get off begin from sixth place, discovering himself far behind within the area within the first lap and shutting in P14.

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)
“I’m very proud of this victory additionally as a result of we had been in a position to take it in extraordinarily completely different situations to these we had in testing. We didn’t have any reference knowledge and that’s why it was necessary to remain targeted, particularly within the first laps, to grasp the monitor nicely, and to seek out the restrict. We acquired win, the easiest way to start out the season. If I’ve to be sincere, although, I hope to race in dry situations tomorrow. 

Michael Rinaldi (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #21)
“It’s actually not the easiest way to start out the season. We arrived at this race with nice confidence however the climate modified the sport and in these situations, proper from the primary laps I couldn’t get the suitable feeling with the bike. There are occasions when you need to keep calm, attempt to not overdo issues and *to not threat making errors, as they may have an effect on the next races. I’m certain that tomorrow we are able to get again to the positions the place now we have proven we may be throughout all of the exams”.

A day that can be lengthy remembered by Nicolò Bulega, Ducati and the Aruba.it Racing WSSP crew. The Italian rider was the protagonist of an epic feat on the finish of a race conditioned by the rain that fell in the course of the grid procedures. Bulega made a foul begin, discovering himself sixteenth, then a pink flag got here out to interrupt the race. Regardless of the monitor being dry in locations, Bulega opted for rain tires and the selection proved to be the suitable one. The Italian rider recovered 12 positions on the first nook, took the lead on the primary lap, and dominated to cross in triumph below the chequered flag. 

Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing WSSP #11)
“It was an unbelievable Saturday. In each qualifying and the race, the climate situations had been all the time obscure. Particularly the selection of tire was always of venture. In the long run, nevertheless, we managed to win, attaining a vital consequence. I wish to thank my crew: they did a rare job this winter and with out them, I’d haven’t been in a position to convey house this victory.