Álvaro Bautista was an authentic summary since his return to Ducati and achieved two consecutive titles, in addition to endless victories signing two spectacular campaigns, perhaps so much that he is still paying its consequences.
And it is that the Superbike World Cup always seeks the greatest equality between the performance of the machines and the pilots, and given the different voices that began to press for Álvaro’s performance, a sharp decision was made to establish a minimum weight of motorcycle and pilot.
This measure, which can have a meaning in the smallest categories, is something that had not been seen so far in a large -motor world championship. With many more than 200 hp at the disposal of the right hand, the weight difference of the pilots is not so notorious. But not only that and that is that a less light pilot can have certain advantages but, without a doubt, it will also have serious inconveniences.
That is why the minimum weight and motorcycle regulations affected both a Baptist that, since its entry into force, it has not been able to fight in the same way for races and triumphs. And now that he is without a team for 2026, he has decided to open his heart through an open letter in his networks.
There is no doubt that with the entry into force of the measure it was achieved that Álvaro had no advantage, more than 6 kg travel with the Talaverano in his motorcycle. That does not mean that they take advantage of it, it means that they put impediments. And is that while a pilot can often have some time in the acceleration or wear less the tires, move a motorcycle of that size, make changes of direction, stop it … they are its great enemies and where it has a clear disadvantage now aggravated now.
It is still curious, in addition, that some of the pilots who promoted that measure remain without advancing, while Álvaro remains (misfortunes separately) as the third fastest pilot of the grill. In any case, and according to Baptist’s letter, he looks nothing but to make the sport more just for everyone.
Open letter from Álvaro Bautista:
«Today I want to write to you something that is not easy for me, but I think it is absolutely necessary
Today I do not speak only as a pilot, but as a person. As someone who has dedicated his life to this sport, who has trained every day with commitment, discipline and love for motorcycle. But also as someone who has felt in his own flesh what it is to be judged and, in a certain way, penalized … not for his performance, or for his delivery, but for his body. For its weight.
For a long time I kept silent. I tried to adapt, not to bother, to convince myself that this was part of the game. But the truth is that when your physical dimensions become a structural disadvantage – something that does not reflect your capacity as a pilot – that ceases to be a technical theme and becomes a form of discrimination.
I have felt how it questions me the most, how it is required to justify my place again and again. Not because I cannot be ahead or perform to the fullest, but because my body does not fit a physical standard that, although it is not written, we all know.
I understand that the weight is a technical factor in the performance of a motorcycle. I accept it. But when the system does not contemplate the natural differences between the bodies, it ceases to be fair and begins to exclude.
That’s why I’m talking today. Not to victimize me. Not to generate division. I speak because I don’t want other pilots – present or future – to have to go through the same as me. They feel that your body is a more difficult barrier than any curve.
My intention with this message is to open a necessary conversation. Ask us to rethink technical criteria, regulations, and above all, the culture of motorcycling. A pilot is not defined only by the kilos that marks the balance. It is defined by its intelligence on the track, its instinct, its courage, and its connection with the motorcycle.
Thanks for listening to me. I don’t look for applause. Just awareness. And hopefully, a change that makes this sport fairer to all. “
