Same brand, different colour for Bautista as WorldSBK musical chairs hits full swing
Álvaro Bautista will join Barni Spark Racing Team for the 2026 WorldSBK season, lining up alongside the already confirmed Yari Montella. The Calvenzano-based privateer says the signing has been made possible with the support of Spark Serbia and the team’s sponsors, and it gives Barni Spark access to one of the championship’s most decorated riders. The move comes following the news that Iker Lecuona has signed for the factory Aruba.it Ducati squad, with Petrucci moving to BMW to replace the MotoGP-bound Razgatlioglu and Jonathon Rea retiring.
Bautista’s résumé spans a 125cc world title in 2006, three seasons in 250s, and a decade in MotoGP where he earned three podiums and a pole. He switched to WorldSBK in 2019, exploding out of the blocks with 11 straight wins and an immediate title challenge. After two seasons with Honda, he returned to Ducati in 2022 and dominated, taking 16 wins and 31 podiums from 36 races to clinch the world championship, then defending his crown in 2023 with 27 victories. This year he sits fifth in the standings, only a few points off third, with two seconds and 11 thirds so far.
Barni Spark also paid tribute to Danilo Petrucci after three seasons together, highlighting his role in the team’s growth and this year’s return to best independent team honours. Petrucci has amassed 20 podiums with Barni, including an unforgettable Cremona hat-trick in 2024, and leaves with the team’s best wishes.
Alvaro Bautista
“I want to thank Barni for his trust and interest in me. Immediately after the announcement that I would be free for the 2026 season, he contacted me without hesitation, and this means a lot to me. I’m happy to remain in the Ducati family, with whom I’ve already achieved success, and I believe that together with Barni we can achieve great results. The team is constantly growing season after season, and this agreement represents a further step. It will require commitment since I’ll be working with new people, but I’m confident because I see great motivation and competitive spirit in Barni. I want to prove that I can still win. The last two years have not been easy due to the new regulations, but now with the new Panigale V4 and Ducati’s support, we’ll have everything we need to be competitive. The goal is to reach our maximum level and aim higher from there.”
Marco Barnabò, Team Principal
“We are proud to welcome Álvaro to our team for next season. For a private team, having a three-time world champion is a source of great satisfaction and demonstrates the team’s consolidated credibility and depth. Important challenges await us, but this is precisely what drives us to constantly improve. Álvaro is still demonstrating his true worth today, and we are certain he will be able to make a fundamental contribution to our continued growth. We must remember that, thanks to the support of those who believe and invest in us, such as our partner Spark Serbia, our sponsors DTO, Bardahl, Spider, Gommauto Ambrosiana, PSP, and Iride, along with all our technical sponsors, we can demonstrate our value. A special thanks also goes to Ducati, which allows us to have a competitive package.”
