The Alvaro Bautista saga finally comes to an end. While Jonathan Rea's retirement had raised fears of a veritable haemorrhage of WorldSBK champions, the 40-year-old Spaniard has saved the field by signing with Barni Racing Ducati for 2026. This arrival confirms the rise of Marco Barnabò's team, already highlighted by Danilo Petrucci's podium finishes.
« I would like to thank Barni for the trust and interest he has shown in me. Immediately after the announcement of my availability for the 2026 season, He contacted me without hesitation, which is very important to me. ", told Baptist.
The double world champion emphasizes the importance of remaining loyal to the brand that brought him fame:
« I am happy to remain within the Ducati family, where I have already achieved success, and I am convinced that with Barni we can achieve excellent results. The team continues to grow season after season, and this agreement is a new step »
Alvaro Bautista: “ The last two years have not been easy because of the new regulations »
At Barni, Baptist will have to start from scratch, since even his loyal team leader Giulio Nava – with him since 2015 – will not be accompanying him. An upheaval that does not frighten him:
« This will require considerable commitment. But I am confident because I see great motivation and a strong competitive spirit in BarniI want to prove that I can still win. »
The veteran remains clear-headed about the difficulties encountered recently:
« The last two years have not been easy due to the new regulations, but now, with the new Panigale V4R and the support of Ducati, we have everything we need to be competitive »
The first step in this new adventure is a test planned in Aragon, where Bautista will ride the Barni Ducati 2026 for the first time.
Baptist saves the prestige of the World SBK while staying on the grid. But at 40 years and with a new team to build, his question remains burning: can he still reign over a discipline that is changing generations?
