Alvaro Bautista to Join Barni Spark Ducati for 2026 WorldSBK Season

Spanish rider Alvaro Bautista set for second Ducati exit as Iker Lecuona takes factory seat.

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Spanish rider Alvaro Bautista will leave Ducati’s factory WorldSBK squad for the second time, with the Bologna-based manufacturer opting to replace him with fellow countryman Iker Lecuona for 2026.

Bautista’s future had been hanging in the balance after Ducati decided not to trigger the second year of his 1+1 contract. While there were rumors of a possible deal with six-time champion Jonathan Rea, negotiations fell through, opening the door for Barni Spark Racing to step in with an offer for the 40-year-old veteran.

The move makes strategic sense, as Bautista’s deep knowledge of the Panigale is expected to be a major asset ahead of the debut of Ducati’s new V4R model in 2026. He will take over the seat from Italian rider Danilo Petrucci, who earlier this year confirmed a one-year move to BMW.

“I want to thank Barni for the trust and interest he has shown in me,” Bautista said. “Right after the announcement that I would be free for the 2026 season, he contacted me without hesitation and that means a lot.

“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. 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 40-year-old admitted the past two seasons were challenging under new regulations but believes the combination of Ducati’s support and the incoming V4 will make the team competitive again.

Barni Spark Racing Team Principal Marco Barnabò welcomed the announcement with pride: “For a private team, having a three-time World Champion is a source of great satisfaction and proves the solid credibility of our project. Important challenges await us, but that’s exactly what drives us to constantly improve. Alvaro is still proving his worth today, and we are certain he can give us a fundamental contribution to continue growing.”

With this move, Bautista continues his long-standing relationship with Ducati, shifting into a fresh chapter with Barni Spark as both prepare for an exciting new era in WorldSBK.