The Gran Premio de la Comunidad Valenciana is set to bring the curtain down on another campaign this weekend, as the MotoGP paddock unpacks and prepares to race for the final time in 2009. After a transcontinental trek to Australia and Malaysia, the series returns to European soil for the sixteenth and final round of a 250cc World Championship that is still to be decided. Hiroshi Aoyama and Marco Simoncelli will go head to head for the title on Sunday, with the Spanish riders also looking to celebrate with victory in their home round.
 
With a disappointing weekend in Malaysia now behind Alvaro heads to Valencia determined to score good results for the team in his home race. Although Bati’s title aspirations ended in a crash at Sepang but his hunger for victory is still as fierce as ever and the Spaniard is looking for a repeat of his performance in the most recent race on Spanish soil, having won at Montmeló in June. It is a final appearance in the intermediate class for the former 125cc World Champion, who moves up to MotoGP next year.

Alvaro Bautista:
“I would have liked to be going to Valencia in different circumstances this weekend but luck hasn’t been on our side for the last three races. The championship is over for me but this is my last race in the 250 class and I want to enjoy it in front of my home fans. I’ll go out there and give it everything to fight for the win. We have missed out on our main objective so now I just want to enjoy the weekend and sign off from the class in style. It is important to me to end this phase of my career with a win. Cheste holds few secrets for me because I have done so many laps there and it is one of my favourite circuits. There are no excuses and I will be giving it everything from Friday.”

The Spanish newspaper Las Provincias published a short interview with Alvaro today, probably conducted at the inauguration of the newly named curves at the Albacete circuit yesterday.
It focuses mainly on the upcoming race at Valencia, but also touches subjects like the Spain-Italy rivalry and what Alvaro does in his free time.

What do you think of the Valencia Circuit?
No matter what audience there is, it is always impressive. It is like a football stadium. People surround the whole track and the Spanish riders notice that “heat” very much. The track itself however is not one of my favourites, because the curves are very much connected and you practically have not a second to breathe. But for those who have it as a home race it is always a special Goodbye.

Do you think it’s a disadvantage for Cheste that the world championship is almost always decided already when it comes here?
Yes, when it comes to Valencia it is practically all decided, but nevertheless it is always special. It is a feeling that can’t be explained.

Would you change the race date?
That is quite complicated. The calendar is very connected, each circuit has its dates. And it is nice that the final race of the championship is at home. Even when you don’t fight for the title, for the riders it is a race which we enjoy a lot.

What do you think Cheste has that Jerez or Catalunya don’t?
Valencia is the only circuit in the world where you see this close connection with the fans. The spectators give so much support, the fans are very enthusiastic.

It’s been a season where the Spaniards and the Italians have maintained a constant resentment. Simoncelli declared that he wouldn’t shake hands with neither you nor Héctor Barbera. What happened?
The resentments between Italians and Spaniards happen easily, because we are the majority. But it is not necessary to give it any importance. I don’t want to be a part of this. The important thing is that races are won with fairness. If you win cleanly, I accept that. But what I don’t like is when dirty tricks are used.

What do you do in your free time?
I am a normal guy, I like to go to the cinema, play videogames, be with my friends…

Do you put the same passion and speed in your personal life that you put in the races?
When I work I like to be focused and I am always more serious. But when I relax I am merry and joking around.

Do you remember the first time you rode a bike?
Of course. I was three years old. It was my father who introduced me to this world.

What would you be without bikes?
Since I was little it has been my life. It’s hard to imagine it differently.

Interview translated for you by the crew of www.alvarobautista.co.uk and www.batifans.com