Veteran champion’s departure ignites a wide-open rider market as WorldSBK teams scramble to lock in 2026 lineups
A major piece of the 2026 World Superbike puzzle has come loose: Álvaro Bautista has confirmed he will not continue with Ducati beyond the 2025 season. The 40-year-old Spaniard, a two-time WorldSBK champion with the Italian marque, will not see out his Ducati contract originally planned for 2026, with the second year of the deal officially scrapped.
Although the veteran was eager to stay with the Bologna-based outfit for a fourth consecutive season, Ducati opted not to continue under the previously agreed terms.
“I had signed with Ducati for 2025 and 2026,” Bautista told WorldSBK.com, “but with the possibility of breaking the contract from my side and also from their side. I communicated to the team that I wanted to continue… Then, Ducati said they don’t want to accept the conditions we signed, so they broke the agreement.”
Despite nearing his 41st birthday, Bautista insists he still wants to race at the highest level. “I feel physically and mentally strong, and I still believe I can fight for good results,” he said. “So I’m free for 2026—let’s see what happens.”
His exit sets up a fascinating reshuffle among the top factory teams, especially as several other high-profile moves are poised to reshape the grid. The remaining official Ducati slot is the most sort after ride on the grid, with the Panigale proving to be the strongest package on the grid this season, and the highly anticipated V4R set to debut next year.
Bulega Extends Ducati Deal, Razgatlıoğlu Heads to MotoGP
Ducati has already begun looking to the future with the renewal of Nicolo Bulega, who has established himself as a leading force in the championship this season. The 25-year-old has re-signed with Aruba.it Racing Ducati through the end of 2026, rejecting a lucrative approach from BMW in the process.
“Continuing this project fills me with satisfaction and pride,” Bulega said. “We’ve achieved important goals already, and I feel fully at home with this team.”
Bulega’s renewed deal is significant not only because it locks him in as Ducati’s title challenger for 2026, but also because it includes an option to test Ducati’s upcoming MotoGP prototype. With technical changes looming for the 2027 season, Bulega may serve as Ducati’s bridge between WorldSBK and MotoGP, especially given his current trajectory and clear support from the factory.
While Ducati strengthens its structure, BMW faces a monumental task after Toprak Razgatlıoğlu confirmed his long-awaited move to MotoGP, joining the factory-supported Prima Pramac Yamaha effort in 2026. That decision opens up BMW’s lead spot in WorldSBK—though few riders look fit to fill the void left by one of the series’ most electrifying stars.
Rea’s Future Uncertain as Yamaha Struggles Continue
Among those potentially in line to replace either Bautista or Razgatlıoğlu is Jonathan Rea. The six-time WorldSBK champion has made it clear he wants to return to top-level competitiveness but has been frustrated with Yamaha’s progress despite showing flashes of promise since returning from injury.
“Even though we’re maximising our potential, we’re still far away. The gap to the front is too big,” Rea admitted following a productive but sobering Misano test.
With 2026 looming and his current deal running out, Rea could be poised to make a big move either to Ducati to partner Bulega or as BMW’s new talisman in the post-Toprak era.
A potential move by Rea could also have further domino effects in Yamaha’s rider lineup. Locatelli has signed for the factory Pata team, but GYTR Yamaha riders Remy Gardner and Dominique Aegerter could step up, although Yamaha is also expected to elevate current WorldSSP championship leader Stefano Manzi to a WorldSBK R1.
MotoGP Market Swirl Could Ripple Into WorldSBK Plans
While WorldSBK undergoes its own reshuffle ahead of 2026, the increasingly fluid MotoGP rider market could further influence Superbike plans. Multiple premier class seats remain unsettled beyond 2025, and several current MotoGP riders may find themselves displaced—or choosing a different path altogether.
Key names like Jack Miller, Franco Morbidelli, Johann Zarco, and Luca Marini each have contracts set to expire at the end of 2025, and other riders such as Miguel Oliveira have contracts with clauses that allow their deals to be terminated early. While most are expected to renew, others may explore alternative options that could include a high-profile switch to WorldSBK.
