Announcing via social media that he had come to a decision regarding his future, Alvaro Bautista (Angel Nieto Team) confirmed in the GoPro British Grand Prix pre-event Press Conference that he will be leaving the MotoGP paddock after 16 years to join Chaz Davies at Aruba.it Racing – Ducati in WorldSBK.

Bautista has 49 Grand Prix podiums to his name, including three premier class rostrums and 16 victories across 125 and 250. The Spaniard’s greatest year came back in 2006, when he was crowned 125 World Champion as a 22-year-old.

Bautista commented on his move, saying: “For me next season will be a new challenge because I will move from this Champ after 16 years and I will move to World Superbike with Aruba Ducati official team. I’m so motivated, it’s a new challenge for me. I think the confidence Ducati put in me is really good and together we are very strong. I think we can get a good result there and have good fun, it’s a Championship that’s growing, so I look forward to this new challenge and I will also try to enjoy my last races in the MotoGP Championship.”

Bautista, Austrian MotoGP 2018