Two-time MOTUL FIM Superbike World Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) has been a prominent figure in the world of motorcycle racing for over two decades. As the factory Ducati rider prepares to take to the track for Round 8 of his seventh season in the Championship, the Spanish rider took some time to reflect on his season so far, his future, as well as what WorldSBK means to him as the Championship approaches the milestone of its 1000^th race.

So far in 2025, Bautista has been performing at a similar level to last season, already achieving 11 rostrum finishes compared to the 18 earned last season. Currently sitting at 118 career podium finishes, he is on pace to earn more than he did in 2024; however, he has yet to win a race in 2025. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) and Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) have proven formidable opponents. At this rate, this could be his first season without a race win since 2021.

BEST OF THE REST: “Maybe the performances aren’t bad, but we’re missing something to fight for race wins”

The #19 has managed to stay competitive in the thick of the podium battle, race in and race out. Bautista’s teammate Bulega and defending Champion Razgatlioglu have proven elusive at the front, yet Bautista has established himself as a regular contender for P3. One of his biggest rivals in that pursuit however has been Lady Luck. On four occasions under varying circumstances so far this season, his races have ended early in the gravel trap. Despite costly DNFs, father time, and the star-studded grid he calls his competition, Bautista is determined to get back to a position where he can outpace the #1 and #11 in front of him.

On his season so far, Bautista said: “2025 so far has been up and down; we’ve earned some good results, but we’ve also missed some races. We suffered some collisions that weren’t my fault, which caused me to lose positions or have to retire early. In any case, we’ve always tried to do our best. We’ve earned a lot of podiums; maybe the performances aren’t bad, but we’re missing something to fight for race wins. Right now, I feel like the third rider in the Championship. For sure, it hasn’t been the easiest year, but we’re trying to do our best in light of the situation.”

 STILL HUNGRY FOR MORE: “I feel like there’s even more that I can give, I want to be fighting for good results”

The Ducati factory team stoked silly season rumours with the announcement that they will not be activating their 2026 option with Bautista and will instead seek another rider atop their sought-after platform. Adding further intrigue to the situation, Ducati have been testing a new homologation for their V4 R, making Ducati factory red an even more appealing destination for many riders.

While the silly season rumour mill continues to churn, Bautista is keeping his focus on himself and what he can control. Bautista said: “My goal for next year is to keep racing. I feel really good, mentally and physically. I feel like there’s even more that I can give. I want to be fighting for good results; I don’t want to be here just to be another rider. If I decide to continue racing, it’s because I feel I still have the performance and potential to achieve good results. We are fighting for podiums in almost every race; the pace is there.”

FIGHTING FOR HIS SPOT: “I’m doing my best, performing at a high level, and we’re fighting for the top three in the Riders’ Championship”

While the Spanish rider is uncontestably one of the top riders in the Championship, intrigue has begun to swell surrounding the Madrid native’s contract situation for 2026. While he has so far secured 11 podiums and one fastest lap this season, like the rest of the grid behind him, he has been unable to match the blazing pace of Razgatlioglu and Bautista’s teammate, Bulega. He has expressed his interest in re-signing with the Bologna-based factory team before, yet he pointed out that with so many contracts expiring at the end of 2025, he is not without options if he found an opportunity that interested him.

On his 2026 contract situation, Bautista expressed his tranquillity: “I’m quite calm when it comes to thinking about the 2026 season. I’m doing my best, performing at a high level, and we’re fighting to be in the top three in the Riders’ Championship. Next year, Toprak will move to MotoGP, so that leaves Nicolo at the front; there are no other riders faster than me who will be fighting with him, so I’m not worried about next year. I know I’m doing things well, everything happens for a reason, so I’m just concentrating on the races that remain this season and focusing on enjoying every moment.”

RACE 1000: “I’m so proud because I feel like this Championship allowed me to show my full potential”

For Bautista, the upcoming Hungarian Round at Balaton Park Circuit isn’t just another opportunity to show he still has what it takes and compete and win in the Championship. Sunday’s Tissot Superpole Race will be WorldSBK’s 1000^th Race. For Bautista, to be able to take part in such a significant milestone for the competition fills him with pride. The commemoration will take place just before the Superpole Race at 11:00 local time (UTC +2) on Sunday, July 27^th.

On his feelings to get to be a part of such an occasion, Bautista said: “To be part of this amazing 1000^th race milestone is something very special. I've won a lot of races here, including two titles, so it’s something very special to me. I feel that WorldSBK has allowed me to showcase my full potential. I’m proud to have earned good results here, to have had good battles, and ridden good races. I’m so proud because I feel like this Championship allowed me to show my full potential.”

Be sure to tune in this weekend to catch Bautista at the new circuit as well as the Race 1000 festivities! Watch live or on demand with the WorldSBK VideoPass! Now 65% off!