Podcast: Shock MotoGP return for World Superbike sensation Bautista?
As the search for Johann Zarco's KTM replacement for the 2020 MotoGP season continues, the Tank Slappers podcast digs into the rumour that Alvaro Bautista could fill the KTM void
Bautista moved to World Superbikes for this year after losing his place in MotoGP at the end of last season, and dominated the opening rounds of the campaign aboard the new Ducati Panigale V4 R - before a spate of crashes left him 91 points adrift of reigning four-time world champion Jonathan Rea.
As that dramatic downturn unfolded, it also emerged that Bautista was poised to split with Ducati - with team boss Paolo Ciabatti confirming to Autosport last month that Bautista had signed a two-year deal with a "rival manufacturer".
But during the recent Portugal WSBK round, rumours emerged that Bautista could potentially move back to MotoGP with KTM - which has a shock vacancy following its split with Zarco.
Global MotoGP Editor for Motorsport.com Oriol Puigdemont and Autosport's Motorcycle Racing Correspondent Lewis Duncan discuss why Bautista would be a solid option for KTM and how likely it is to come off.
They also talk about Bautista's Ducati replacement Scott Redding, and how the two-time MotoGP podium finisher is the spark WSBK needs to reinvigorate the series.
The Tank Slappers podcast is the Motorsport Network's brand-new weekly show for all things two wheels and is available to subscribe to for free via iTunes, Spotify and other podcast suppliers - simply search for 'Tank Slappers'.
Previous article
MotoGP rider Morbidelli joins Sepang enduro field at WTCR joint event
Next article
Lorenzo's Honda MotoGP woe down to lack of "courage and willingness"
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Drivers | Alvaro Bautista |
| Teams | AB Motoracing |
Marc Marquez is back
MotoGP Starting Grid: Portugal Grand Prix
MotoGP Starting Grid: Doha Grand Prix
Marc Márquez's first ride after his injury
Marc Marquez continues his recovery
The impossible problem Honda faces with its 2021 MotoGP bike
Honda hasn’t enjoyed an easy start to the 2021 MotoGP campaign, despite gains last season which looked to have carried over into the pre-season. Now admitting it does have issues in serious need of resolving, it faces an almost impossible task in doing so
How Jerez underlined MotoGP's speed problem
The brutal nature of a series of crashes at Jerez has reopened the debate about whether current MotoGP speeds are beyond the safety limits of the tracks. But even if riders are supportive of the move, getting the manufacturers to find a consensus on how speed reductions should be achieved may be altogether harder
How a Crutchlow helped Miller to Jerez MotoGP redemption
Jack Miller’s tough start to life as a factory Ducati MotoGP rider left him mentally battered and bruised, but a pep talk and positive reinforcement from a surprising source aided the Australian to show his full potential with victory at the Spanish Grand Prix
What does Marc Marquez have to do to get back to his best?
Following his resounding MotoGP return with a seventh place finish in Portugal, Marc Marquez now must work to rediscover his best form before turning his attention towards results-based targets
How Yamaha’s rookie-spec MotoGP star is taking charge
Fabio Quartararo is on a roll in 2021, having stormed to victory at a venue where he last year served up one of his worst races. Contrasting Portuguese GPs for Yamaha’s factory duo make it hard to understand just how good its 2021 MotoGP bike is, but the Portimao weekend has revealed one key improvement compared to 2020
The hurdles Marquez faces next in his Portugal MotoGP return
Even by Marc Marquez’s own high standards, his MotoGP comeback on Friday at the Portuguese Grand Prix will be considered a success even if he didn’t top the times. But having shown competitive pace on his first day back, both Marquez and his rivals know plenty more challenges are to come
Where does Honda's new MotoGP signing sit ahead of its king's return?
Pol Espargaro’s first results as a Honda MotoGP rider may not appear special. But dig a little deeper and a clearer picture of his performance emerges. And, as Lewis Duncan writes, it’s cause for celebration at Honda with the return of Marc Marquez set to provide Espargaro with the reference he has been missing so far this year
The "pit bull" MotoGP rookie already drawing legendary comparisons
MotoGP’s 2021 rookie crop is one of the strongest in recent years, but one is already standing out. Jorge Martin’s Doha GP heroics have courted many to compare him to numerous MotoGP legends. Autosport spoke to Pramac boss Francesco Guidotti to find out why MotoGP’s latest Spanish star is already making such an impact
