The WorldSBK paddock is in turmoil: Alvaro Bautista, two-time world champion (2022, 2023), is set to leave Ducati at the end of 2025. Although unofficial, the non-renewal of his contract, confirmed by the man himself, seems a done deal. Nicolò Bulega, his teammate, has been extended, while Bautista, at 41 in November 2025, finds himself without a ride. But behind this decision lies a burning question: did a rule tailored specifically to Bautista push him out, even threatening to force a Superbike legend to hang up his bike?
It's not official yet, but there's little doubt about it: Alvaro Bautista leave Ducati at the end of the 2025 season. While the Borgo Panigale brand announced the contract extension of Nicholas Bulega, several media outlets confirm what the entire paddock has been whispering for weeks. Ducati turns the page on Bautista.
A persistent rumor evokes a possible transfer of Baptist in BMW, to take the place left vacant by Toprak Razgatlioglu. Another evokes HondaBut beyond the speculation, a disturbing question remains: is it right that a rule change, tailor-made to counter one driver, can force a two-time world champion off the scene?
The turning point came after the season 2023, marked by the unchallenged domination of Baptist on the handlebars of the Panigale V4 R. In reaction, the FIM and Dorna introduced a new minimum weight rule in Superbike, forcing riders who were too light to add ballast. A rule that was aimed, in a thinly veiled manner, at one man: Alvaro Bautista.
The effects were quickly felt. After 16 victories in 2022 and 27 in 2023, Baptist only won four in 2024. This season, he still hasn't won and is only in fourth place in the championship, behind the Ducati satellite of Danilo Petrucci. Yet, the bike hasn't changed. It's the rules that have changed everything.
Who will replace Alvaro Bautista at Ducati Aruba.it Racing?
Baptist, despite its 40 years, does not hide his desire to continue. He even hoped to test the future version of the Panigale. But Ducati made his choice. A choice dictated as much by the results as by regulations that have become a handicap. Ducati therefore loses a loyal, efficient driver... but artificially penalized.
The future ofAlvaro remains unclear. BMW et Honda are serious avenues. But a dilemma arises: should we hire a driver forced to race with ballast? Without this constraint, few doubts would remain. Baptist remains one of the best. With it, the situation changes radically.
During Friday's free practice at Misano, Stefano Cecconi, director of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, confirmed that the position would be vacant in 2026, without providing a name or a clear direction. Everything is open: rookie, experienced rider, or a surprise.
Two names are circulating persistently: Danilo Petrucci et Andrea IannoneBoth know the Panigale, have experience, speed and a profile compatible with the project Ducati.
But behind this game of musical chairs lies a brutal reality: Baptist is not being ousted for sporting reasons, but for a targeted rule change. Is a legend being pushed out, not by the track, but by the sport's administration?
