The Ducati Racing Team is stirring up the racing world with their discussions about the 2026 WorldSBK rider line-up. Team principal Stefano Cecconi sheds light on the contract situations of current riders Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro Bautista, both set to expire at the end of the 2025 season.
Bulega, the current championship leader, has expressed his desire to stay on for the upcoming season. However, Cecconi reveals that discussions about the future are still in the early stages, with decisions not expected to be rushed. The team is optimistic about securing Bulega’s future in Bologna, considering both a potential two-year contract or a 1+1 deal as Plan B.
On the other hand, former champion Alvaro Bautista is likely to continue with Ducati beyond 2025, pending his enjoyment of racing. After a challenging 2024 season with minimal wins, Bautista’s focus in 2025 is to rediscover his passion for racing. Cecconi emphasizes the importance of Bautista’s happiness on the bike as a key factor in determining his future in the series.
The Ducati Racing Team’s strategy involves ensuring the riders’ commitment before delving into discussions about the technical aspects of the sport. Cecconi emphasizes the importance of securing renewals first before shifting the focus to enhancing the bikes for the upcoming seasons.
As the racing world eagerly awaits the decisions of Bulega and Bautista, Ducati’s meticulous planning for the 2026 WorldSBK rider line-up showcases their commitment to excellence and strategic foresight in the competitive realm of motorcycle racing.
