MotoGP rider Alvaro Bautista of San Carlo Honda Gresini team feels that more motorsport activities in India can expand the fan base in the country.
Bautista, who has garnered 18 podium finishes in 125cc, 28 in 250cc and two in MotoGP races so far, said Formula One had enhanced the interest of the Indian motorsport fans.
“F1 here has got more support for motorsport. Next year, Superbike will get (further) more support. Who knows, in future, MotoGP can (also) be here,” Bautista told The Hindu on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old, the 125cc World championship title winner 2006, was eager to see a MotoGP race happening in India. “Sure, it will be interesting to race here. India is a good place. There are a lot of industries which produce bikes. It will be very nice if we come here.”
Bautista had some good words for Mahindra Racing, which recently won the 125cc constructor’s title in the competitive Italian National Motorcycling Racing championship.
“They are making a big effort to be here. I think it is a good step to start. They want to be in the top level of World championship with the India name. They are growing up for the future.”
On his own career, Bautista, who switched from 250cc to MotoGP with Suzuki in 2010, said he needed to do better in the elite competition. “It is the top level of the world. Now I have started to do well.
“Here it is totally different. I have a lot of confidence for the future and there is no reason why I cannot win again,” said Bautista, who is currently at the fifth place in this year’s MotoGP championship table with two third-place finishes achieved in the last one month.
Keywords: MotoGP, Alvaro Bautista, San Carlo Honda Gresini