Winning Race 1 For The Second Series Of WSBK At The Mandalika Circuit, Bautista Gives Wejangan To Rinaldi

Aruba.it Racing-Ducati Alvaro Bautista (center) team racer. (Photo via ANTARA PHOTO/Ahmad Subaidi)

ManDALIKA - Racer Aruba.It Ducati, Alvaro Bautista, commented on the incident that happened to his teammate, Michael Rinaldi, in the second race of World Superbike (WSBK) 2023 at the Mandalika Circuit, Saturday, March 4.

Rinaldi, who performed brilliantly during the free practice session, fell on the first lap in the first corner. He bumped into another rider while eating the corner.

Bautista said his teammates should be calmer and not rush during the race.

"I am sorry for him because he is very strong here and has a good position and pace. Unfortunately, he missed the first corner. Apparently, he wanted to get in front but made a mistake, then fell," said Bautista, as quoted from Antara, Saturday, March 4.

The 2022 WSBK world champion added that today's track conditions that tend to be more dirty make the race even tougher than before.

"His condition is different from the track in general because there is a dirty side and he is there and his motorbike doesn't stop (that's it). He has to be calmer and more patient," Bautista said.

"I know he is very fiery and wants to show his best potential. However, he must pay attention to the other side, he must be more patient," added the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, Rinaldi became the first person to leave the race because he crashed at Turn 1 on the opening lap after colliding with Axel Bassani (Motocorsa Ducati).

Rinaldi decided not to continue racing and retailing. But Bassani chose to return to the track and finally finished Race 1 in fourth place.

"I felt the collision from behind. Although not too hard but quite dangerous (if I'm not ready). But, yes, however, this is a race, anything can happen," Bassani said.

As soon as the accident, the Ducati rider went to the medical center for a medical examination. He will return for further examination ahead of the warm-up session on Sunday, March 5.

According to a WSBK report, he was diagnosed with a minor head injury but no signs of a concussion have been detected so far.