Alvaro Bautista keen to make 1000cc MotoGP debut

Gresini Honda rider Alvaro Bautista says he is eager to understand the performance of the new generation 1000cc MotoGP machines when testing for the 2012 world championship campaign kicks off in Malaysia next week.

When the former 125GP world champion made his Gresini debut in Valencia back in November, he rode an 800cc RC212V.

The Spaniard has never ridden a 1000cc prototype but he will get his first taste next Tuesday (January 31) when the three-day Sepang test gets underway.

Bautista, who joined Fausto Gresini’s squad after Suzuki suspended its involvement in MotoGP until at least 2014, told MCN: “I’m not sure what to expect because the 800 for me had too much power and speed.

“So I don’t understand how a 1000 will work but I am looking forward to it. I’ve heard from the other riders there will be more sliding and more power at the bottom when you exit the corner, so it should be fun.”