WorldSBK, Sportrik Media - Two-time WorldSBK champion Alvaro Bautista believes staying with Ducati is essential for contending for victories in the 2026 WorldSBK season. Joining the satellite Barni Spark team, Bautista is confident that Ducati’s technical support will unlock his full potential.
Decision to Stay with Ducati
Bautista, who secured all 63 of his WorldSBK wins with Ducati, chose Barni Spark after weighing performance and opportunity. “I knew I needed Ducati to be fast and achieve strong results,” Bautista told WorldSBK.com. While he had the option to remain with the Aruba.it Racing team, Barni’s proposal was more exciting. Support from Gigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse General Manager, was pivotal. “I told Gigi I want to race with Ducati because it’s the bike that lets me show my full potential,” he said.
Technical Support and Victory Goals
Bautista emphasized the importance of full technical support from Ducati at Barni Spark. “For Marco Barnabo, Barni team owner, managing a top rider isn’t easy, but we reached a great compromise with Ducati,” he noted. Equipped with the Panigale V4 R and Ducati’s technical crew, Bautista is poised to fight for wins. “I don’t race just to race; I race to win, and having the best technical support is crucial,” he explained. Barni’s competitive financial offer further fueled his enthusiasm for 2026.
Initial Testing of Panigale V4 R
Bautista got an early taste of the 2026 season during a recent Aragon test with the updated Panigale V4 R. Though not focused on performance, the test allowed him to compare two bike configurations. “It was like a first date, and it went well,” he said. The test helped Ducati refine the bike’s development direction. “We tried many things, and I provided guidance for next year’s bike,” he added, marking a critical step toward a competitive 2026.
Outlook for WorldSBK 2026
With his extensive Ducati experience, Bautista is optimistic about his 2026 season with Barni Spark. Full factory support and positive early testing bolster his confidence in challenging for top spots. The move to a satellite team presents a fresh opportunity to showcase his talent. Moving forward, Bautista will focus on fine-tuning the bike and strategy to ensure victories remain a realistic goal in WorldSBK 2026.
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