The Barni Spark Racing Team have re-signed their current rider, Danilo Petrucci, for 2025. However, they have hinted at a second rider joining him next season.
After a successful weekend at Portimao with Danilo Petrucci finishing third, second and fifth across the three races, the Barni Spark Racing Team has re-signed the Italian rider for the 2025 World Superbike season.
As it stands Petrucci is sixth in the WorldSBK standings. He is the top independent rider and is in a battle for fifth place. The 33-year-old is yet to win a race for the Barni Spark Racing Team but has been a consistent rider for them in 2023 and 2024.
After announcing his renewal Petrucci said: “This is the team where I was before going to MotoGP™, and the one with which I returned to a World Championship after Dakar and MotoAmerica. In short, I feel at home here, and the renewal was what I wanted.
"Barni, his family, and his team give everything they have to make a competitive bike. I’m not that young anymore, but I still feel good, and as long as I’m in shape, I have no intention of staying home. Barni and I still want to enjoy some success together, this year and next."
Alongside the renewal of Petrucci Barni Spark Team Owner, Marco Barnabo, hinted at the idea of running a second Superbike in 2025.
Barnabo said: “Together with Spark we are working for the growth of the team: the second Panigale V4 in WorldSBK. This has always been our goal, and we would like to have another rider alongside Danilo.”
If Barni Spark Racing can get another Ducati Panigale V4 for the 2025 season, they already have a few options for riders.
The most logical option for Barni is their World Supersport rider, Yari Montella. The Italian rider did the double at Portimao last weekend as he won both WorldSSP races. Montella currently rides a Ducati Panigale V2 and is in the Barni family. He is second in the WorldSSP Championship and could challenge for the 2024 title. So far throughout 2024, Montella has deserved a chance in Superbikes in 2025.
Another option that Barni have for 2025, is their super sub from earlier this season. After Petrucci suffered severe injuries earlier in 2024, Nicholas Spinelli stepped in to replace his fellow Italian. The 23-year-old only took part in one round but did take a surprising mixed-conditions race win. Other than his race win Spinelli finished 18th and 16th places in his first three Superbike races. His race win may have been aided by the conditions. But he did look decent in his rookie WorldSBK weekend and could be considered for a full-time ride in 2025.
Finally, Barni could end up inheriting Aruba.it Racing - Ducati's WorldSSP rider. So far in 2024, the WorldSSP Championship has been dominated by Adrian Huertas. The Spaniard rides for the Aruba.it Racing outlet, but they may not have a Superbike available for him in 2025. If Huertas does want to move to Superbikes next season Barni could be an option for him, if Ducati wants to keep him in their fold.
