Ducati Sporting Club UK > News Items > Ducati Press Releases > Bulega and Bautista set to challenge for WorldSBK leadership at Donington (England). Huertas aims to defend the top spot in WorldSSP

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World Superbike | 2024 | R5 | Donington (UK) | Thursday 11 July 2024

Bulega and Bautista set to challenge for WorldSBK leadership at Donington (England). Huertas aims to defend the top spot in WorldSSP

A light rain welcomed the WorldSBK paddock this morning as it arrived in Donington (England), not without some logistical difficulties.

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team has been working on the Ducati Panigale V4R machines since yesterday, which Nicolò Bulega and Alvaro Bautista will take to the track tomorrow for FP1 (10:00 CEST).

The Italian rider, coming off a strong weekend at Misano where he secured second place on the podium three times, has temporarily moved up to second place in the WorldSBK Championship standings, trailing Razgatlioglu (BMW) by 21 points.

Alvaro Bautista is in third place, 3 points behind his teammate.

Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #11)
“I am very pleased to be here at Donington Park, a circuit I like. We are coming off a very positive weekend at Misano, where we also conducted a test last week that left us with good feelings. The goal is to make the most of our package, hoping for stable weather conditions.”

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #1)
“Racing in England is always a very special emotion because the fans convey so much passion. This circuit is challenging but enjoyable if you can get the ideal line. The weather can be a decisive factor, but this applies to all riders. First, we want to regain the best feeling, which was somewhat lacking at Misano. It will be very important to start well right from FP1.”

WorldSSP

After a triumphant weekend at Misano with wins in both Race-1 and Race-2, Adrian Huertas and the Ducati Panigale V2 of the Aruba.it Racing WSSP team arrives in Donington to defend the lead in the WorldSSP Championship with an 11-point advantage over Yari Montella (Ducati).

Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WSSP #99)
“I am very motivated. This is a circuit I like despite the uncertain weather. I believe it is a good track for us, especially since I performed well here last year with a different manufacturer and I think the potential is high.”