A FRESH LOOK: Bautista’s first look emblazoned in Barni Ducati leathers on track from Jerez!
Red and black is a familiar look for the Spanish two-time World Champion; however, in 2026, he trades factory for Independent as he looks to make another assault on the title this season
After four seasons with the factory Ducati outfit, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship’s rider with the third-most wins in the all-time standings is getting a change of scenery for 2026. As part of one of the offseason’s biggest stories, Alvaro Bautista will compete for the first time in his WorldSBK career for an Independent team as he now takes to the track for the first time as a rider for Barni Spark Racing Team alongside Yari Montella.
The excitement is palpable in the garage as both he and the team look forward to the season opener at Phillip Island, a venue he has topped the podium a total of eight times. Until then, however, the team have been busy helping to get their sleek Ducati Panigale V4R configured to the #19’s liking. While rainy conditions on-track have slightly hampered progress he and the team can make so far, check out the latest shots of the legendary rider’s new digs in Jerez!
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