Busy Jerez Test Signals New Beginnings for WorldSBK 2026 Season

Bautista debuts with Barni Ducati, Rea begins new role with Honda, and multiple riders put the new Panigale V4 R through its paces in Andalusia

Subscribe to our Instagram Channel for instant news & updates!

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is set to roar back into life as teams and riders gather at the iconic Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto for a crucial two-day test ahead of the 2026 season. Taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 to 18:00 local time (UTC+1), the Jerez test marks the end of the off-season break and the beginning of serious on-track preparations, with most of the WorldSBK grid in attendance.

Bautista Begins New Chapter with Barni Ducati

One of the biggest talking points heading into the Jerez test is the first official appearance of Álvaro Bautista with the Barni Spark Racing Team. The Spanish rider begins a new chapter of his WorldSBK career as he transitions to an Independent Ducati outfit for the first time.

Alongside teammate Yari Montella, who enters his second WorldSBK season, Bautista will focus on adapting to the new working environment while also getting valuable mileage on the latest Ducati Panigale V4 R. With several Ducati riders sharing track time, Jerez will be a key reference point for the Italian manufacturer’s 2026 prospects.

Surra Steps Up as Independent Ducati Riders Get to Work

The test will also see Alberto Surra make his WorldSBK testing debut with Motocorsa Racing. The Italian rookie arrives with momentum after impressing as a stand-in rider in WorldSSP during 2025, including a podium finish at Magny-Cours. Elsewhere in the Independent Ducati camp, Sam Lowes begins his 2026 campaign with ELF Marc VDS Racing Team, while Tarran Mackenzie continues his adaptation with MGM BONOVO Action after joining the team midway through last season.

Lorenzo Baldassarri also returns to the WorldSBK paddock, starting his journey with Team GoEleven aboard the Panigale V4 R. Factory Ducati riders Nicolo Bulega and new signing Iker Lecuona will add further strength to Ducati’s presence at Jerez.

Rea Takes First Laps as Honda HRC Test Rider

Another major storyline is Jonathan Rea’s first appearance as a Honda HRC test rider. With Jake Dixon the only race rider available following Somkiat Chantra’s injury, Honda will still have a strong on-track programme thanks to test rider Tetsuta Nagashima and the six-time World Champion Rea. This will mark Rea’s first time riding WorldSBK machinery since stepping away from full-time competition at Jerez last year, making it one of the most closely watched elements of the test.

BMW continues its development work with Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira, while Yamaha fields Andrea Locatelli and Remy Gardner, joined by their new teammates Xavi Vierge and Stefano Manzi as the brand fine-tunes its 2026 line-ups.

Continuity with Subtle Changes at Bimota and Kawasaki

Both bimota by Kawasaki Racing and Kawasaki WorldSBK Team retain their rider line-ups for 2026, but internal changes add fresh dynamics. Axel Bassani continues working with new crew chief Uri Pallares, a partnership that began during the November test, while Alex Lowes remains a key part of the Bimota project. Test rider Xavi Forés will also contribute to development duties.

At Kawasaki WorldSBK Team, Garrett Gerloff focuses on adapting to the updated ZX-10RR, supported by returning crew chief Les Pearson as they continue building chemistry with the Japanese machine.

WorldSSP Riders Join the Jerez Action

The Jerez test will also feature a select group of World Supersport riders. Philipp Oettl resumes work with the Ducati Panigale V2, while Kawasaki teammates Jeremy Alcoba and Dominique Aegerter continue their testing programme as Aegerter readjusts to WorldSSP machinery. Matteo Ferrari will also be on track, marking another step in his transition from MotoE to the WorldSSP category.

With new rider-team combinations, fresh machinery and key technical updates, the Jerez test is set to play /a pivotal role in shaping the early narrative of the 2026 WorldSBK season.