There are only two rounds to go before the end of one of the best seasons Alvaro Bautista has ever had. Despite winning straight away, showing all his potential and that of his Ducati Panigale V4, some of his opponents were initially sceptical.

Even in 2019 he started very strong. Then we know how it turned out. This was what some of his rivals thought, and perhaps even Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu initially believed that the title fight would be a matter reserved for the two of them. However, they all had to surrender to the Spaniard's results and impressive numbers: 14 wins, 27 podiums out of 30 races, first or second in all the 'long' races. Now that his lead in the standings has become heavy, there are those who accuse him of only winning thanks to his low weight and the engine of his V4. Accusations that Alvaro answers without polemic, with the calmness of one who knows he is on the right side.

At the end of a pleasant chat, in which the only taboo subject was obviously the 2022 World Championship title, Bautista let himself go and when we talked about his strange hairstyle he said: "I do braids because I have long hair and so I have no problem wearing a helmet. But if 'a certain' result comes in Lombok, then I might even cut them off'. So Alvaro don't forget to pack your scissors.    

No title talk, but if things go well in Lombok, Alvaro might even decide to sacrifice his blond tresses.