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'.
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