Álvaro Bautista takes hard-fought second MotoGP podium at Honda’s home track

 In MotoGP, News

Photo: Ben Davies, www.SMARTFotos.co.uk

San Carlo Honda Gresini rider Alvaro Bautista earned his second MotoGP podium at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi, a day after it was announced he had re-signed with the Gresini Honda team.

After a slow start Bautista caught up to Cal Crutchlow on the 14th lap and the fight for third was on. The Spaniard patiently waited until the 20th lap to try and keep the brakes from overheating before making his move. Crutchlow tried to strike back, but Bautista had the counter-measure.

The race for the final podium spot went down to the final lap but ended prematurely when Crutchlow ran out of gas. That gave Bautista a clean path to his second MotoGP podium after he was already third in the San Marino Grand Prix. The podium moved him to a career-high fifth in the championship.

Alvaro Bautista, 3rd
“A beautiful great weekend with the signing of the contract for next season with Gresini Racing. I am very happy today. I knew we could do well and fight for the podium, because yesterday we saw that we have a good race pace. I tried and I did it. I did not start very well, I lost some positions, but I quickly recovered. Then when I caught Crutchlow I saw that we were riding at the same pace and so I tried to keep a safe distance so as not to overheat the brakes. With five laps to go I pushed more and attacked and I have to say that the battle with him was great and I enjoyed it. I am very happy for the guys in the team who have worked a lot with Showa to give me a good bike, for the sponsors and HRC who is giving us so much support and I hope to continue like this for the next races.”

Source: Honda Pro Racing Press Release

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