Ducati are tempted to take 'a risk' or sign 'a no-name or young rider' to replace Alvaro Bautista for the 2026 season.

With a vacant seat in the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati squad since Alvaro Bautista will depart the factory Ducati squad at the end of the season.

The Italian manufacturer has several options for the 2026 World Superbike season to partner Nicolo Bulega.

There are several limiting factors for the second rider in the factory Ducati squad, with the team having a limited salary and wanting a younger rider.

"We have too many names on the list and no one specific one in mind yet," said Aruba team owner Stefano Cecconi in an interview with SPEEDWEEK.com.

"When it was announced that this bike would be available, many riders and managers got in touch, and numerous possibilities opened up.

"We're not in a rush; we can take our time and explore all the possibilities. We know that some decisions will be made in the MotoGP paddock in July. Then we'll know what our options are."

Ducati expect Bulega to fight for the World Superbike title in 2026, so they know that they are able to sign a second rider who could be 'a risk' when compared to their number one rider.

"We know how fast Nicolo is, and we expect him to be the same next year. So we could take a risk with a no-name or a young rider," he explained.

"Normally, you take a risk like that in a satellite team and then bring a rider into the factory team once he's proven himself. But I think we can afford it because we're so confident about Nicolo's performance."

Several options have been linked to the vacant factory team from Moto2 race winner, Aron Canet, to MotoGP rider, Luca Marini.