The Barni Spark Racing Team have acquired the services of two-time World Superbike Champion, Alvaro Bautista, for 2026.
Alvaro Bautista has put pen to paper on a new deal with the Barni Spark Racing Team for the 2026 World Superbike Championship.
After parting ways with the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati squad, the Spaniard will continue on a Ducati Panigale V4 R for the 2026 season in the Barni Spark squad.
The two-time World Superbike Champion will replace the departing Danilo Petrucci, who is on his way to the factory ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
Bautista had been exploring options to try and remain in the factory Aruba.it Racing - Ducati squad, but has been replaced by fellow Spaniard, Iker Lecuona.
"I want to thank Barni for the trust and interest he has shown in me," Bautista said after confirming his move to the Italian team.
"Right after the announcement that I would be free for the 2026 season, he contacted me without hesitation and that means a lot to me. 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.
"The team is constantly growing season after season, and this agreement represents another step forward. 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 last two years have not been easy due to the new regulations, but now with the new Panigale V4 and Ducati’s support, we’ll have everything we need to be competitive. The goal is to reach our maximum potential and from there aim even higher."
