Alvaro Bautista and Ducati will part ways at the end of the 2025 World Superbike season, officials confirmed, with Bautista’s contract option for 2026 not exercised. Ducati announced that Iker Lecuona will join the Aruba.it factory team in 2026, signaling the end of Bautista’s tenure despite the rider’s stated desire to continue racing.
Ducati confirmed that Iker Lecuona will join Niccolò Bulega in the factory Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team for the 2026 World Superbike season, officially marking the end of Alvaro Bautista’s tenure with the factory squad. Ducati officials described the decision as final, with team manager Serafino Foti earlier indicating in February 2025 that Bautista’s future would be decided after the first few races of the season based on performance and enjoyment.
Bautista revealed at Misano on June 12, 2025, that Ducati would not exercise the contract option for 2026, stating, “I’m free for next year,” which confirmed the conclusion of his factory deal despite the original 2025–2026 contract framework that included mutual exit clauses.
Following the announcement, Bautista secured an agreement to continue racing in WorldSBK with the independent Barni Spark Racing Team, also running Ducati machinery, for the 2026 season. WorldSBK’s official rider bio and news outlets confirmed the move on August 26, 2025, describing it as the resolution of Bautista’s contract saga. Reports from Paddock GP on August 23, 2025, indicated that Bautista would replace Danilo Petrucci at Barni Ducati, with Petrucci moving to BMW, and would be joined by Yari Montella. Sources familiar with the negotiations said the deal was contingent on strong technical support from Ducati, which Barni is expected to receive following the restructuring of its team.
Throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Bautista consistently expressed his desire to continue racing, emphasizing that he did not feel ready to retire. He stated that he wanted to keep competing as long as he remained physically and mentally capable and enjoyed the sport. In May 2025, Bautista said he was “really enjoying” the season more than the previous year and that his goal was to continue racing if he could still deliver strong results. Indonesian and German media outlets reported that Bautista ruled out immediate retirement after Ducati’s decision not to renew his factory contract, expressing intent to find another competitive seat in WorldSBK.
While Bautista’s departure from the factory team was confirmed, speculation continues regarding Xavi Vierge’s future in WorldSBK. Media reports and paddock sources have linked Vierge to the Barni Spark Racing Team as a potential teammate for Bautista in 2026. However, no official confirmation has been made by Ducati, Barni, WorldSBK, or Vierge’s current team. Industry insiders suggest that Barni Ducati could expand or adjust its rider lineup to include Vierge, especially after Petrucci’s departure, but details on seat allocations, contract terms, and timelines remain unconfirmed.
Bautista’s farewell in 2025 is specifically to the factory Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team and not to the WorldSBK championship itself, as his move to Barni Ducati ensures his continued participation in the series. Ducati’s official communications highlighted Bautista as a two-time WorldSBK champion and a significant contributor to the brand’s success, underscoring the importance of the decision to replace him at the factory level. Bautista himself reflected that if his career ended at this point, he would be proud of his achievements but reiterated his ongoing passion for racing and his good physical and mental condition.
The transition from factory rider to satellite team leader represents a new phase in Bautista’s career, extending his presence in WorldSBK rather than concluding it. Ducati’s confirmation of Lecuona’s arrival and Bautista’s move to Barni reflects broader reshuffling within the manufacturer’s WorldSBK program for 2026. Meanwhile, the potential inclusion of Vierge at Barni remains a topic of discussion among media and paddock observers, with official announcements pending.
As the 2025 season progresses, further developments regarding team lineups and rider contracts are expected. Ducati and its satellite teams continue to finalize their rosters ahead of the 2026 WorldSBK season, with Bautista poised to remain a prominent figure on Ducati machinery outside the factory setup.
