Marco Barnabò had no doubts and finally his dream became reality! In fact, it will be Alvaro Bautista who will replace Danilo Petrucci riding the Ducati V4 in the 2026 World SBK season.
Yesterday, the owner of the Bergamo-based team was at Aragon to closely follow the Spaniard's first time riding the new Panigale and, as soon as he returned to base, we caught up with him, letting him tell us all the behind-the-scenes details of the two-time Superbike champion's arrival.
"As you all well know Petrucci's farewell unsettled me in no small way," he began, "Danilo called me the Sunday before Balaton to tell me about the possibility he had on the table with BMW. Five minutes later I immediately contacted Battistella, because my goal was to bet on Alvaro Bautista, since in my opinion he was the best solution on the market."
Why was Alvaro always your priority?
"I decided to bet on Bautista for two reasons: first, he is a rider who has experience on the Ducati, in fact he knows the working method and development, consequently all this facilitates our work within the team. In addition, Alvaro is a tireless worker: it may be true that he is over 40 years old, but he trains in an incredible way, he is a great professional, he has won with Ducati and he is still there in front fighting for the top positions. Finally, I would also like to add the human side, since he often comes to visit us in our hospitality and there is a great relationship, since we know him very well."
Can we say that Bautista represented a kind of safe haven?
"I would say yes. He for me was the best solution on the market and I am convinced that we can do a good job together, giving him all the support he needs."
Is it true that you had a queue in front of the box for the Panigale?
"I can say that I spoke with many riders, but I made no promises to anyone. With Bautista we defined everything in the last few days and I am very happy about that."
Rea also wanted a Ducati...
"Here, on this subject I would like to be very clear. I spoke with Johnny, since he was interested in our bike, but in the end I didn't give him any false hopes, much less do I feel guilty about his retirement. Obviously I'm sorry he won't be racing next year, as Superbike loses a great champion, but as I said my priority was to try to get Bautista."
What if Alvaro had not arrived?
"I probably would have aimed for Rea, I don't deny that. My priority was to bet on an experienced rider, already in this Championship, without going looking for bets, since we already have a young guy like Montella on the team. With Alvaro we knew it would be easier, plus Ducati cared about him continuing with the new bike in 2026."
Have you also spoken with Iannone?
"Yes, I confirm. I spoke with him as well. As I said, I spoke with several riders."
Bautista's last victory in the factory team was at Aragon. Does that worry you?
"It does! Next year, however, the new bike arrives, and maybe the latest evolution Panigale V4 can make up for some of the limitations from the ballast. So we will see what to do, for sure Bautista is stoked and our whole team is also happy and motivated to be able to work with a champion like him."
How did you see him on the new bike in Aragon?
"Very good, really. More I can't say. I'm very happy that Bautista is joining Barni and he's excited too, because he didn't have the slightest desire to stop and I think it's obvious to everyone."