Xavi Vierge Joins Barni Spark Racing Team for 2027 WorldSBK Season

The Spaniard will move to Ducati after four seasons with Honda and a final campaign with Yamaha, replacing Álvaro Bautista at the independent Ducati team.

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Xavi Vierge will join Barni Spark Racing Team for the 2027 FIM Superbike World Championship, marking a new chapter in the Spaniard’s career as he prepares to race a Ducati Panigale V4 R.

The 29-year-old’s signing was officially confirmed on Thursday, with Vierge set to replace two-time World Superbike Champion Álvaro Bautista at the Italian team.

The move follows the announcement in September that Vierge and Yamaha would part ways at the end of the 2026 season, with Jack Miller moving from MotoGP to join the Pata Maxus Yamaha factory team.

Vierge’s switch to Ducati gives him an opportunity to take on a new challenge after spending four seasons with Honda before moving to Yamaha. During his time with Honda, the Spaniard earned a reputation for his adaptability, determination and willingness to push himself despite the team’s struggles.

He also demonstrated competitive pace alongside Yamaha teammate Andrea Locatelli, further strengthening his position as an experienced rider capable of adapting to different machinery.

Barni Spark Racing Team owner Marco Barnabo said the team was pleased to secure Vierge’s services, highlighting their shared ambitions ahead of the 2027 campaign.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Xavi Vierge for the 2027 season. We were in agreement on our goals and priorities right from the start and shared a clear vision of what we want to achieve together,” Barnabo said.

“We are ready to embark on this new path with great motivation and determination.”

For Vierge, joining Barni Spark Racing Team presents an opportunity to familiarise himself with Ducati’s Panigale V4 R and compete with a different package after his time with Japanese manufacturers.

The Ducati has established itself as a competitive machine in WorldSBK, giving Vierge a fresh opportunity to challenge towards the front of the field.

The Spaniard welcomed the move, saying he was motivated by the prospect of riding a Ducati for the first time and working with the Barni team.

“I’m delighted about this new step in my career,” Vierge said.

“Riding a Ducati for the first time in 2027 and joining the Barni Spark Racing Team at the same time is a huge motivation for me. I’m looking forward to getting to know the Panigale V4 R, working with the team and taking the next steps together.

“I want to contribute my experience whilst learning as much as possible from this new challenge.”

Vierge will now prepare for his first season with Barni Spark Racing Team as he looks to make the most of the Ducati package and establish himself as a contender in the 2027 WorldSBK championship.