WorldSBK newboy Alvaro Bautista has played down his chances of halting the dominance of four-time champion Jonathan Rea and says he will only be able to challenge 'now and again' in the infancy of his Superbike career.
Although initial tests on the Panigale V4 went well for the former MotoGP star, he is keen not to get ahead of himself before the season kicks off at Phillip Island.
"Since the test I have a first idea of what to expect. The training itself will be more or less identical. I still have to find out what I need in my first season. There are three races to go, even in the Superpole," said the Spaniard.
"Many say I'm from MotoGP and will win immediately. But it will not be that easy. You can not come here and just beat Jonathan Rea. He's the best Superbike rider ever and he knows his team and the bike. I've set myself the goal of challenging him every now and then - that's going to be a big challenge."
