P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Barni Spark Racing team boss Marco Barnabo reveals that he contacted two-time WorldSBK champion Alvaro Bautista “five minutes” after Danilo Petrucci agreed to join BMW.
Barni Spark Racing team boss Marco Barnabo contacted Alvaro Bautista immediately after Danilo Petrucci’s move to BMW. Bautista’s future with Ducati was uncertain due to the additional weight his bike required for other manufacturers. Despite this, Bautista will ride for Ducati on the Panigale V4 R in 2026 with the top satellite team. Barnabo considered Bautista his top priority, even though he had discussions with Jonathan Rea, who later announced his retirement. Barnabo decided to bet on Bautista due to his Ducati experience, professionalism, and strong work ethic, which would benefit the team. If Bautista had declined, Barni Spark Racing would have pursued Rea for the 2026 WorldSBK season.
