The Barni Spark Racing Team are 'excited' to begin working with their latest signing, Alvaro Bautista, in the 2026 season.
Earlier in the week, the Barni Spark Racing Team decided to sign Alvaro Bautista instead of Jonathan Rea for the 2026 World Superbike season.
In a recent interview, Marco Barnabo, Barni Spark Racing Team Owner, discussed why negotiations broke down with Rea and why he opted to sign the two-time World Superbike Champion.
"I decided to bet on Bautista for two reasons," Barnabo admitted in an interview with GPOne.com.
"First, he is a rider who has experience on the Ducati; in fact, he knows the working method and development, consequently, all this facilitates our work within the team.
"In addition, Alvaro is a tireless worker: it may be true that he is over 40 years old, but he trains in an incredible way, he is a great professional, he has won with Ducati, and he is still there in front, fighting for the top positions.
"Finally, I would also like to add the human side, since he often comes to visit us in our hospitality and there is a great relationship, since we know him very well."
Bautista has not won a World Superbike race since the Aragon World Superbike Round in 2024. This is a fact that Barnabo is worried about, but hopes the 2026 Panigale V4 will help Bautista return to his former glory.
"It does! Next year, however, the new bike arrives," he stated.
"Maybe the latest evolution Panigale V4 can make up for some of the limitations from the ballast.
"So we will see what to do, for sure, Bautista is stoked, and our whole team is also happy and motivated to be able to work with a Champion like him."
In recent days, Bautista has been testing the new 2026 Ducati Panigale V4, although the Italian cannot comment on his new rider's performance, he is 'excited' for his new partnership with the Spaniard.
"Very good, really. I can't say more," he explained.
"I'm very happy that Bautista is joining Barni and he's excited too, because he didn't have the slightest desire to stop and I think it's obvious to everyone."
