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With your 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship field making their final preparations for the fast-approaching season across the coming days, particular focus in the preseason has been on the grid’s Independent riders, as the talented selection of competitors gives the impression that the fight for the Independent Riders’ title will be one for the history books! Embarking on his first season with his new Barni Spark Racing Team, Alvaro Bautista looks to hit the ground running; however, Sam Lowes, approaching his third season with his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team, hopes to continue where he left off in 2025. Meanwhile, up-and-coming riders on the grid are looking to earn their WorldSBK stripes by throwing their hat in the ring and taking on the veteran riders toe-to-toe.

BAUTISTA IN BLACK AND RED: The two-time World Champion sets off on his seventh season featuring in WorldSBK, this time in new colours

The veteran #19 has a new team, and with that, a new set of challenges as he has the opportunity to fight for new silverware this season to adorn his already-crowded trophy cabinet. He will look to address the issues he had last season, including frequent crashes that cost him critical points and nearly cost him third place in the Riders’ Championship. If he can clean up his riding and finish on the podium as he has proven time and time again, he will be a tough opponent to beat.

SAM LOWES SEEKING MORE: The Englishman took a big step last season. Can he continue that progress in 2026?

2025 was a breakout year for the British rider, claiming not only his maiden podium finish but four additional rostrum results, culminating in a 10-place improvement from his 2024 P18 finish to a P8 finish in 2025. He attained these results while missing the final two rounds of the season, an unfortunate finish to what had otherwise been a very positive season for the 35-year-old, highlighted by earning three podiums across the final three rounds of the season. He and Bautista will both enjoy riding on the upgraded 2026 Ducati Panigale V4R, setting up what may be a season-long head-to-head shootout between the #14 and the #19.

DARK HORSES: It would be unwise to count out Montella, Mackenzie, Sofuoglu and Baldassarri as they make their bid for the Independent title

It’s far more than just a two-horse race in the Independent rider fight. Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) rides with renewed form as he enters his first full season with his MGM Ducati outfit, challenged by promising sophomore riders Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) and Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team). ‘Taz’ joined the Ducati Independent squad from Balaton onwards, and the #95 saw his results improve from that juncture on; having landed in the top 10 just once prior to Misano, he matched that mark four times after joining the team. Montella, similar to his new teammate Bautista, struggled with crashes last season, but when he avoided the gravel, he was a force even as just a rookie. With a year under his belt, keep an eye on the #5 this season. Returning to WorldSBK after his 2023 debut season, Lorenzo Baldassarri hops aboard the capable GoEleven Ducati Pangiale V4R. ‘Balda’ rejoins the field with good momentum as he is hot off of a sixth-place finish in MotoE in 2025, a campaign in which he tallied three podiums and three fastest laps. Motoxracing’s Bahattin Sofuoglu looks to pilot his Yamaha R1 to new heights this season. While 2025 left room for the Turk to improve on, he accomplished important milestone results such as his first top 10 finish, earned in Race 1 at Magny-Cours. The newly-emblazoned #54 has a full season of experience on his side now, and he will hope to incorporate his experience to make a surprise run for the 2026 top Independent crown.

Watch the battle for top Independent play out live and OnDemand with the WorldSBK VideoPass!