Bautista made his MotoGP return at the Sepang International Circuit last weekend for a wildcard appearance with Ducati, having recently wrapped up his second WSBK crown.
Having not competed in a MotoGP round since the 2018 Valencia GP, when he rode a year-old Aspar-run Ducati, Bautista struggled – qualifying second-to-last, finishing 22nd in the sprint and 17th in the grand prix.
But speaking after the grand prix, Bautista says a crash in a Superbike test at Jerez prior to his wildcard meant he had “no power” on the left side of his body, which affected his performance.
“I have to confess that I had a problem all weekend but I didn’t want to accept it. I told it to my team yesterday afternoon, after the race,” Bautista revealed.
“In the Jerez test, after the last race [of the WSBK season], I had a very ugly crash. I crashed with my head and had some pain in my neck, but no more problems and the mobility was good.
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“Then I came here and from Friday, I started to feel no power in the left, and especially in the left corners.
“I worked a lot with [MotoGP medical partner] Quiron health, but it was every time a bit worse and worse.
“For sure I didn’t ride as I wanted, and I’m so angry with myself because I cannot enjoy and I cannot push really good.
