HUNGARIAN ROUND | SUNDAY
July 27, 2025
The Barni Spark Racing Team has chosen Álvaro Bautista for the 2026 WorldSBK season, alongside the already confirmed Yari Montella. An important signing for the Calvenzano team, which will be able to count on the experience of a rider with an extraordinary track record. As always, this new partnership has been made possible thanks to our partner Spark Serbia and all our sponsors.
Bautista made his debut in the 125cc World Championship in 2002, winning the title in 2006. From 2007 to 2009 he competed in 250cc before moving to MotoGP in 2010, where he achieved three podiums and one pole position. In 2019 he switched to WorldSBK, making an immediate impact: 11 consecutive victories in the opening races and a season as a title contender. After two years with Honda, Bautista returned to Ducati in 2022, securing 16 wins and 31 podiums in 36 races, becoming World Champion. In 2023 he confirmed his outstanding form, winning 27 races and claiming his second consecutive title.
In the current season, Bautista sits fifth in the overall standings, just a few points away from third place, with a tally that already includes 2 second places and 11 third places.
#THERECONQUEST
ALVARO BAUTISTA
“I want to thank Barni for the trust and interest he has shown in me. Right after the announcement that I would be free for the 2026 season, he contacted me without hesitation and that means a lot to me. I’m happy to remain in the Ducati family, where I have already achieved success and I believe that together with Barni we can reach great results. The team is constantly growing season after season and this agreement represents another step forward. It will take commitment since I’ll be working with new people, but I’m confident because I see in Barni great motivation and a strong competitive spirit. 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 potential and from there aim even higher.”
MARCO BARNABO’ – Barni Spark Racing Team Principal
“We are proud to welcome Álvaro to our team for the upcoming season. For a private team, having a three-time World Champion is a source of great satisfaction and proves the solid credibility and stature of our team. Important challenges await us, but that’s exactly what drives us to constantly improve. Álvaro is still proving his worth today and we are certain he can give us a fundamental contribution to continue growing. We must remember that, thanks to the support of those who believe in 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 are able to showcase our value. A special thanks also goes to Ducati, who provides us with the opportunity to have a competitive package.”