Alvaro Bautista: It’s not enough anymore to fight for the Top 10

The Spanish website as.com has published a new preseason interview with this year’s sole Suzuki rider Álvaro Bautista where he talks about the new season, the old season and everything in between.

You must be going mad by now, because the first test in Sepang will finally take place on 1st to 3rd of February.
Well yes, because it’s been a long time since I’ve last sat on the bike, back in November, but mainly because I had a very positive feeling at that test and I can’t wait to get back to that and improve.

Is a break of three months really necessary?
I would test a bit more before finishing the year. We have almost all of November without doing anything and I’d like to do it like they did before, when they tested in Australia and Malaysia then. After that it’s not bad to stop for Christmas and take advantage of January to train hard.

In 2010 you’ve been troubled with injuries. Are you completely fit by now?
Good question, because I am very well, but on Tuesday evening I had to visit Doctor Villamor in Madrid.

Don’t tell me you had another motocross accident.
Ah, nonsense. It’s nothing serious. In December I was running a bit too much which caused a bit of trouble with my left knee that won’t go away. I won’t force anything for a couple of weeks while I’m training and when it’s time to get back on the bike the knee won’t be a problem.

What are you expecting from the Suzuki in Sepang?
In Valencia we found a couple of little things which worked and in Japan they followed that direction to try and develop it a bit with the test rider. We tested a chassis where the engine position is a little different which went well and I noticed a lot of improvement with the front suspension.

And what do you expect from yourself?
It will not be the same starting all over again like it was last year; now with the experience and references I have I need to go faster, because there’s already a way made.

That experience makes you aspire for more.
Yes and now it’s not enough anymore to fight to be among the Top 10. Now we need to aim for more and be – at least – where we finished last year, around 7th and 8th place. To do that it’s essential to develop a good bike. If that can be done, then the podium is in reach.

What do you tell those who believe that the Suzuki is the worst bike on the grid?
It’s complicated. All I know is that the bike improved all throughout last season from beginning to end and with the work from me and my team. The bikes get better. It is like when Rossi came to Yamaha when nobody wanted to ride the bike and now it’s the best. The bike needs work and Suzuki, being a factory, can produce a competitive machine. What you need to know is how to do it.

Now that you mention him, do you believe Rossi when he says he won’t be fully fit until May?
Honestly, I think it’s taking the pressure off of him. He went to Ducati which is a fast bike, but a difficult one. He needs to work with it and develop a bike that works for everybody and for every circuit. With the exception of Stoner, who would even go fast on a scooter, last year we’ve seen that Hayden could fight for the podium at some tracks, but at others he was 12th. Rossi needs time and he says that he has trouble with his shoulder. So later, if he does well, it’ll be a miracle and he’ll be a hero, but if he doesn’t go well, it’ll be because of the shoulder. It is his way to gain time.

Your contract is running out and your name will be back on the market for 2012. Does that worry you?
I’ll have to make a good start [to the season] because contract signings happen quickly in the paddock, but I’ll look out more for my own evolution than for possible offers. Additionally, they will switch to 1000cc in 2012, so it’s necessary to see what happens there. For me 800cc is still quite a handful for a bike, so I’m not sure what I would do with 1000ccc…

EXTRA: Spending the winter away from the track

Preferred holiday? A week in Punta Cana and afterwards going to the mountains to ski with friends. It’s exercise, but without the pressure of regular training. I did some cross-country and downhill skiing.

Most anticipated Christmas gift? It’s already been before Christmas, the births of my nephew and niece, Sandro and Berta.

Best gift you gave? A television which I gave to my sister, so that she can watch my races. Since I’ll be the only one in blue, she’ll have it easy.

How do you notice “La cuesta de enero”*? I spend the same amount of money all year. I don’t like wasting anything and my daily routine, which is training, doesn’t require much expenditure of money.

Did you ride bikes during the break? Only motocross, but with care.

Any sport that you enjoy as a spectator? I go to the Calderón stadium to see Atletico de Madrid play and watch tennis on TV.

Facebook or Twitter? Twitter. I use it to update my fans. I think I already have more than 2.200 followers. It’s fun.

*“La Cuesta de Enero” refers to the financial (and mental) struggles many people experience in January after spending an excessive amount of money during Christmas time for presents etc. and now come back to work.

Interview by Mela Chércoles for as.com. Translation by Vroom Media. Photos via Alvaro Bautista’s Twitter.