Iker Lecuona Joins Aruba.it Racing – Ducati for 2026 WorldSBK

Spanish rider Iker Lecuona joins Aruba.it Racing – Ducati for the 2026 WorldSBK season, replacing Álvaro Bautista after his record-breaking run.

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The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team has officially confirmed the signing of Spanish rider Iker Lecuona for the 2026 World Superbike Championship. Lecuona will race aboard the new Ducati Panigale V4R, marking an exciting new chapter in his career.

A Rising Talent

Born on January 6, 2000, in Valencia, Lecuona made his mark early in the Moto2 paddock. The Spaniard made his debut at just 16 years old. After four seasons in the intermediate class, he progressed to MotoGP in 2020 with the Tech3 team. Since 2022, he has been a fixture in WorldSBK with the Honda HRC squad. Lecuona earned two podium finishes and one pole position across 113 race starts.

At just 26 years old, Lecuona brings both youth and valuable top-flight experience to Ducati’s factory-backed effort. He positioned himself as one of the most exciting prospects for the future of the championship.

Farewell to a Legend

Lecuona’s arrival also signals the end of an era: Aruba.it Racing – Ducati will part ways with Álvaro Bautista after five seasons of dominance together. Bautista leaves behind an extraordinary legacy on the Panigale V4R:

• 228 race starts
• 63 wins (the most ever by a Ducati rider in WorldSBK)
• 120 podiums
• 10 pole positions
• Two World Championship titles

The team expressed its deepest gratitude to Bautista, describing him as not only a rider of immense talent but also a consummate professional who helped shape Ducati’s modern success story in WorldSBK.

Looking Ahead

With Lecuona stepping into Bautista’s shoes, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team is betting on fresh energy and long-term potential. The move reflects Ducati’s strategy to remain at the forefront of the championship while preparing for a generational shift in talent.

The 2026 season promises to be a thrilling one, with Ducati fans eager to see how Lecuona adapts to the Panigale V4R and whether he can continue the team’s winning tradition.