The battle to be crowned the Best Independent Team in this year’s MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship campaign came to an end at MotorLand Aragon. Barni Spark Racing Team were crowned after Race 1 during the Tissot Aragon Round with the Italian team able to celebrate their second consecutive title, after Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) helped them secure it in 2024.

TWO RIDER EFFORT: Petrucci and Montella secure the title

While Petrucci was mostly responsible for last year’s title – and, of course, Nicholas Spinelli after his super-sub appearance at Assen – this year was a two-rider effort. After a stellar WorldSSP campaign with the same team, Yari Montella secured a seat in WorldSBK alongside ‘Petrux’. As both riders contribute to the score in the Teams’ Championship, Petrucci and Montella both added valuable points: 284 for the #9 and 68 for the #5.

CONSISTENCY PAYS OFF: Petrucci in the top ten almost always, Montella learns in his rookie campaign

Petrucci has used his experience well in his third WorldSBK campaign, becoming one of the most consistent riders in the Championship. In the 30 races completed this season, the #9 has scored seven podiums but, crucially in the fight for Independent honours, he’s only finished outside the top ten twice – both at Assen – and has recorded 19 top-five finishes. While the highs of his Cremona hat-trick in 2024 haven’t been hit, Petrucci has remained a force to be reckoned with throughout 2025. For Montella, it’s been a learning year, but the Italian rookie has been in the top ten on seven occasions, including a best of P7 in Race 1 at Balaton Park.

FENDING OFF THE OPPOSITION: Beating Marc VDS Ducati to the title

Barni Ducati’s closest rivals this year have come in the form of Sam Lowes and the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team. The #14 has made a big step forward in his sophomore season, standing on the podium on five occasions and often fighting with Petrucci. However, it’s been the Italian’s ability to finish every race that has made the big difference between the two teams, with Lowes recording seven DNFs this season.

MARCO BARNABO SAYS: “This is a result that makes us proud and very happy. I want to thank the riders and the whole team”

Speaking after the team secured the title in Race 1, Team Principal Marco Barnabo said: “We’re satisfied with the performance of both riders: thanks to the many points scored by Danilo and those collected by Yari, we have mathematically secured the title of Best Independent Team. This is a result that makes us proud and very happy. I want to thank the riders and the whole team, including everyone working at home and behind the scenes, who are equally crucial to achieving results like this.”

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