P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Alvaro Bautista close to a new team, Ducati identify his replacement
Two more important rider contracts are edging closer to being signed for the 2026 World Superbike Championship rider line-up, which will undergo a major overhaul due to significant changes commencing with Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move to MotoGP and Alvaro Bautista not continuing with Aruba.it Ducati. Bautista is nearing a new home with talks of joining Barni Ducati, while Ducati has identified Iker Lecuona as his replacement. The potential move to Barni Ducati would allow Bautista to stick with Ducati machinery as Barni eyes a vastly experienced rider in Petrucci, who has signed with BMW for 2026. Although talks with Jonathan Rea fell through due to a language barrier, Ducati’s choice of Lecuona as Bautista’s replacement aligns with their objective of securing a young rider without a high salary, ensuring a strong 2026 teammate for Nicolo Bulega at Aruba.it Ducati. Lecuona’s potential move will also leave a vacant spot at Honda, prompting further shifts in the rider market.
