"We have many options" - Cecconi stokes silly season intrigue on 2026 Bautista replacement
After Alvaro Bautista revealed that Ducati would not take up their option on him for 2026, Stefano Cecconi provided an update on who will ride alongside Nicolo Bulega
The silly season rumour mill has been busy churning away as the 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship approaches its halfway point of the season. While it was announced earlier this week that Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) would extend his contract for another season with his factory Ducati team, the focus of rider market intrigue has since shifted to who will join him across the garage in red after Alvaro Bautista declared that he was free for 2026.
Bautista has taken a step forward in 2025 compared to 2024, where he struggled a lot over one lap and often had to fight through the field to secure podium results, denying him the possibility of battling for victories. This year, he’s still not quite in the hunt for wins, although this is more down to Bulega and Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) clearly being a step ahead. From Bautista’s side, he’s more consistent in Tissot Superpole and a big points gap doesn’t necessarily reflect his race pace – four non-scores have hampered his tally this year.
During Friday’s Free Practice 1, Aruba.it Racing – Ducati’s Team Principal Stefano Cecconi was tight lipped on the issue, he said: “There is no decision on the seat or any name yet, all we know is that the seat is free, we don't have a really formed idea about who will ride. We have many options, but the only change to report is that the seat will be free. Maybe a rookie, maybe a new name, maybe an experienced rider, it’s all open.”
As to who will replace the Spanish star, questions have begun to circulate. Riders like Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) and Andrea Iannone (Team Pata Go Eleven) would seem to be simple answers; both are experienced riders, race winners, and would have considerable familiarity with the Panigale V4R. On the rumours, however, Petrucci was unsure that the Ducati factory team was considering him, and stated that he is happy in his current setting with his Ducati independent team, while Iannone didn’t want to talk about the market.
Tune in for the inbound race action at Ducati’s home round at Misano! Watch live or on demand with the WorldSBK VideoPass! Now 30% off!
