2026 BARNI SPARK RACING TEAM LAUNCH
January 11, 2026
WINTER TEST | PORTIMAO
January 30, 2026
A challenging start to the winter tests in Jerez due to the weather, but rich in insights for the Barni Spark Racing Team, engaged in the initial development steps of the Panigale V4 RS26 with Bautista.
The first two days of winter testing concluded in Jerez, marking the track debut of the new Panigale V4 RS26 for the Barni Spark Racing Team. The sessions were heavily affected by the weather, with rain and far-from-ideal track conditions, but nonetheless allowed the riders to begin the adaptation and development work ahead of the season.
The first day was slowed by constant rain and overcast skies, which limited track activity and caused several interruptions, eventually leading to an early conclusion. Under these difficult conditions, Álvaro Bautista took a more cautious approach, engaged in his first real contact with a new team. Without pushing for outright lap performance, the three-time World Champion focused on feeling and basic work, ending the first day with the eighth-best time of 1:56.770, 3.794 seconds off the top, after completing 18 laps.
The second day of testing again started with a wet track due to overnight rain. In the early morning, Álvaro did not go out on track. During the afternoon, as the circuit gradually dried, both Barni Spark Racing Team rider returned to action, working side by side, interrupted only by rain that once again affected the session.
By the end of the day, Bautista concluded with 25 laps and the fifteenth-best time of 1:40.475 (+1.144).
The team’s work will continue at the next winter tests scheduled for Tuesday the 27th and Wednesday the 28th in Portimão, hoping for more favorable weather conditions.
Álvaro Bautista, #19
Day 1 – 18 laps completed
P8 1:56.770
Day 2 – 25 laps completed
P15 1:40.475
#THERECONQUEST
ALVARO BAUTISTA
“The conditions were not ideal to start this new challenge with the team, but we still managed to do some laps both in the wet and on the dry. The feelings are very positive: we are beginning to understand each other with the team, to grasp the work that needs to be done, and to get familiar with the new bike. There is definitely still a lot to do, and in these two days we couldn’t do much, but at least the overall feeling remains positive”.
