Alvaro Bautista has reiterated his desire to only return to MotoGP as part of a factory deal, confirming he will continue competing in the World Superbike Championship with Ducati until that occurs.

Speaking to Crash.net exclusively as part of a wider interview discussing his unprecedented form on the Aruba.it Panigale V4 R and how his dominant form has invigorated his passion for racing, Bautista says the effort Ducati has made to welcome him into the Borgo Panigale fold has altered his perception of the series.

Indeed, having demonstrated misgivings towards switching from MotoGP to WorldSBK when the deal was first mooted, Bautista’s sheer success already this season – winning 11 consecutive races from his debut – has reignited a passion he now wouldn’t trade for anything other than a return on a factory machine.

“For sure, it is different [WorldSBK],” he said. “I think in MotoGP, it is more in the top (bigger) than WorldSBK but for me it is better to compete in WorldSBK with a factory team. I feel more important than to be here than MotoGP with a satellite team.”

Recounting a recent visit to the team factory, where he was greeted rapturously, Bautista says his priority is now to stay affiliated with Ducati rather than simply finding any route back to the top flight.

“Ducati made the feeling good, the relationship with everybody. It is important I stay with Ducati, even if it is WorldSBK, than to be in a satellite team in MotoGP.

“It is clear, if I come back to MotoGP it is with a factory bike, not a satellite bike.”