The Calvenzano-based Superbike team Barni Spark Racing Team has unveiled its new livery, as well as a new lineup for the season. WorldSBK 2026, which coincides with the thirtieth anniversary of Marco Barnabò, the team director, in motorsport.
In the prestigious showroom Dream Wheelssurrounded by more than 550 motorcycles of all brands and 200 cars from all eras, Barni Spark Racing Team presented the new Panigale as well as the lineup that will compete in the season WorldSBK 2026On the track, we will find Alvaro Bautista et Yari Montella.
Bautista, two-time WorldSBK world champion (2022 and 2023) and 125cc world champion in 2006, begins his first season with the Barni Spark Racing Team and its eighth in Superbikewith a clear objective: to reach the top.
By his side, Yari Montellawho is preparing to compete in his second season in WorldSBK and fourth with the Bergamo teamis determined to improve its results and continue its progress after an intense adaptation process in 2025.
The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the 30 years of career de Marco Barnabò as Team Principal, starting in 1996 with Team Spring, which became in 2009 the Barni Racing Team, then renamed in 2021 with the arrival of title sponsor Spark. An important milestone, celebrated with friends and partners, which coincided with the unveiling of the new Panigale in Barni colors.
The big star of the evening was indeed the Ducati Panigale V4 RS26The new double-sided swingarm version from Borgo Panigale, revealed by the riders and characterized by a Barni livery is completely new., signed by Oscar Pozzini, creative director of Babol Communication.
Álvaro Bautista – #19
“I am very excited about this new challenge. There will certainly be many changes: a new team, a new working structure. It won’t be easy at the beginning, but I think that with commitment and ambition, anything is possible.”
I'm also very happy to be joining the Barni family, because from the outside you see a very close-knit team, constantly improving and becoming more and more competitive. Barni is someone who wants to win and is very determined; he's a great source of motivation for the drivers.
I believe we can do a great job together. I feel very fit, both physically and mentally, and ready to give 100%. We need to work on finding the right feeling and understanding how best to manage the new bike. The official support from Ducati is also fundamental; it's a real added value.
I am very enthusiastic and I hope that, together, we can achieve good results and good positions, but above all, enjoy doing our job.
Yari Montella – #5
“We are preparing well for the 2026 season. I am focused on the work to be done and, thanks to the experience gained in 2025, we are working to strengthen our weaknesses and arrive ready.”
The goal is to do better than last season, especially since 2026 will be important for my personal and professional development. I'm focused, but calm, and eager to get started.
It will also be very stimulating to share the garage with a driver like Álvaro; I'll have the opportunity to learn and experience different methods. I'll try to absorb as much as possible.
Marco Barnabò – Team Principal
“I am very proud of the position that my team and I have achieved. The season ahead is particularly important: in 2026, we will start with a completely new bike, just unveiled by Ducati, and with two riders competing in Superbike.
For a private team, it's a major objective, but also a demanding challenge. I'm happy to continue the work started with Yari Montella. We know he's a fast young driver who simply needs to capitalize on the work we've begun together over the past few years.
At the same time, we are extremely pleased to have brought a rider of Álvaro Bautista's caliber, a three-time world champion, to the team. We are confident that we can achieve great things with him and that his experience will help us grow even further, taking us to a new level of competitiveness.
What I particularly admire about Bautista is his immense motivation and daily commitment, despite all the extraordinary goals he has already achieved. It's an exemplary attitude. He deserves to achieve excellent results, and we will work hard to achieve them together.
I would like to thank all those who support us, starting with our sponsors; it is also thanks to the stability they offer us that we can fully concentrate on the development of the motorcycle.
An essential contribution comes from our technical partners, who provide us with key materials to improve the motorcycle and make it ever more competitive, in line with our vision.
I also want to thank everyone who works on the team, from the track mechanics to those who work behind the scenes every day. A special mention goes to Ducati, with whom we have been collaborating for 30 years and who continue to give their all for our team.
Finally, and no less importantly, I thank Pamela, who supports the team's work from home; without her, I couldn't do the work I do today.
Barni Superbike 2026
