In contrast to MotoGP, the Superbike World Championship is recording rising spectator numbers: Alvaro Bautista gives the reasons why WSBK is booming right now
After the World Superbike Championship was already able to thrill many fans with the exciting title duel in the 2021 season, the series-based championship will also provide exciting racing this year. Last year, Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) dueled for the title. This year, Ducati returnee Alvaro Bautista is in the mix.
At the halfway point of the season, the top three are separated by just 38 points. All three riders therefore have a chance to take the title.
While MotoGP is having some difficulties to excite the fans at the moment, things are going very well in the Superbike World Championship. “For the fans, the World Superbike Championship is much better than MotoGP at the moment. “
More exciting races and better fan experience on site
Both on TV and for the fans on site, the World Superbike Championship offers more than MotoGP at the moment, says Bautista: “The races are more spectacular. You can see how the bikes become restless at the limit. We can ride different lines to overtake the opponents. The show for the spectators is better. “
“But the World Superbike Championship is also very attractive for the spectators on site. There is the paddock show and the podium celebrations in the paddock where the riders celebrate with the spectators. At Parc Ferme, everyone can be there,” says Bautista, praising the closeness of the World Superbike Championship.
For the fans, the World Superbike Championship is much better, not only because of the show on the track,” the Spaniard is convinced. “At the moment, the World Superbike Championship is better than MotoGP. There are more overtaking manoeuvres and more spectacle because the riders can ride different lines. “
Alvaro Bautista: MotoGP must learn from WSBK
“MotoGP has to learn from the World Superbike Championship if they want to continue to excite the fans,” Bautista states, reasoning, “Valentino (Rossi) and Marc (Marquez) are missing. MotoGP has to offer something to the spectators. If they don’t do that, then they lose fans.”
“The World Superbike Championship, on the other hand, is growing because there are three very strong manufacturers fighting for victories. There are also three riders from three different countries fighting for the wins. That’s why the fans are more interested in the World Superbike Championship at the moment,” notes Bautista.