Álvaro Bautista Extends Contract with Ducati for 2025 WorldSBK Season

Two-time World Superbike Champion Álvaro Bautista to continue with Ducati, solidifying the team’s lineup for 2025 as he aims to return to winning form.

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The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team has officially announced the contract extension of Álvaro Bautista, who will continue riding the factory Ducati Panigale V4R in the 2025 WorldSBK season. 

The two-time World Superbike Champion’s extension puts an end to speculation about his potential retirement, confirming that he will remain with Ducati for at least another year. The announcement was made ahead of the WSBK French Round, the eighth round of the 2024 season.

This news finalizes Ducati’s factory lineup for the next season, with Bautista’s teammate, Nicolo Bulega, already having secured a two-year contract with the Italian brand. The decision to retain both riders reflects Ducati’s strategy of continuity heading into 2025.

Bautista debuted in 2019 on the Ducati Panigale V4R and became a key figure for Ducati, winning titles in 2022 and 2023.

The Spanish rider has achieved 61 WorldSBK victories to date, making him the most successful Ducati rider in the history of the championship. He also reached his 100th podium finish at the recent round in Portimao, Portugal.

Currently, Bautista sits third in the 2024 riders’ standings, trailing Toprak Razgatlioglu by 142 points and his rookie teammate Nicolo Bulega by 50 points. Bautista has been winless since the Superpole Race at the Dutch Round earlier this season, but he remains optimistic about the future.

“I am thrilled to continue another season with Ducati, with Aruba, and with this beautiful team that feels like a family to me,” Bautista said in a statement. “I feel physically and mentally perfect, and I am sure I can still be very competitive. There is an extraordinary relationship with everyone, from the mechanics to the management, and I am even happier to continue this journey. 

“I want to thank Ducati, Aruba, and the team for their trust in me. I hope to repay them by returning to the fun and success we’ve enjoyed in previous rounds.”

Bautista’s 2024 season has been challenging, particularly as he started the year recovering from a back injury sustained while testing a Ducati Desmosedici MotoGP bike at the end of 2023, in preparation for a wildcard entry at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Stefano Cecconi, Team Principal of Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, expressed his satisfaction with Bautista’s contract extension: “I have said many times that our priority was to continue with Álvaro, and I am delighted to officially announce the renewal of our collaboration. Working with Álvaro is a pleasure both personally and professionally. 

“I am confident that by continuing to work hard together, we will overcome the new challenges presented by the regulations. In recent races, we have found solutions that have helped Álvaro rediscover the sensations that were missing earlier in the year. Now, we must continue on this path to finish the season strong and close the gap to the top.”

With Bautista’s experience and commitment, Ducati aims to end the season on a high note and prepare for a competitive 2025 campaign.