Source: Supplied.

In a guest appearance with Ducati Team filling in for the injured Jorge Lorenzo, Alvaro Bautista shone aboard the factory-prepared Desmosedici GP18 at Phillip Island’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix yesterday.

Enduring three crashes throughout the weekend, the Spaniard challenged for a podium position on a number of occasions throughout the 27-lap affair, ultimately crossing the line in P4 after fending off Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha).

“At the end of a difficult weekend in which I crashed three times, this fourth place is a great reward for me,” Bautista commented. “To come into a new team and step onto a new bike at a circuit like this was for sure not going to be easy, but I think we’ve worked well together, making steps forward in every session.

“I started the race really focussed and relaxed because I had no real targets to aim for, except for enjoying riding the Desmosedici GP18. After quite a complicated start, I was able to soon catch up with the leading group and fight for the front positions.

“In the last few laps I made a few small mistakes and lost contact with [Andrea] Dovizioso and [Andrea] Iannone, but in any case I’m very happy with my overall result, especially for the team and for Ducati, whom I would like to thank once again for the trust they have shown in me.”

Bautista is due to return to his seat at Angel Nieto Team this weekend at Sepang, with Lorenzo anticipated to be recovered in time for the penultimate round of the championship.