Alvaro Bautista's future beyond 2018 looks set to be decided imminently, after the Nieto MotoGP rider revealed a decision on his plans will be made following the Austrian Grand Prix.
Bautista's time in the premier class looks up after nine seasons, as the seats the Petronas Yamaha team have been taken by Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli, and the final place at Avintia set to go to current Nieto teammate Karel Abraham.
The Spaniard confirmed during the Austrian weekend he has “options” in Moto2 and World Superbikes, with it thought a move to the latter series with the factory Ducati team his likely destination.
“I will decide after this race,” Bautista said when asked about his future at the Red Bull Ring.
I will look seriously at the options I have because I have options in Moto2 and for WSBK. After this race, I'll look at the options and, if there is something that motivates me for the future, I will do it.
“If not, I'd prefer to stay at home because you need to be motivated to ride a bike, like I am now with this team [Nieto]. I will see after this weekend.”
Ducati boss Paolo Ciabatti confirmed Bautista was high on the Bologna factory's list of riders for its WSBK team, with current Ducati man Marco Melandri thought to be heading for the GRT Yamaha squad in the series.
Speaking to motogp.com at Austria, Ciabatti said: “Bautista in WSBK with Ducati? It is an option that we are considering.
“Marco Melandri, our current rider, has performed very well, but we are exploring all options.
“Today, Alvaro is one of them. I think we'll make the decision in a matter of days.”
Bautista currently sits 13th in the standings on 57 points, 144 down on leader Marc Marquez, and finished the Red Bull Ring Race in 10th – a run of top 10 results which extends back to the Italian round.
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