Veteran Álvaro Bautista (41) on his future: Only without the weight limit

Was the 2026 Superbike World Championship Álvaro Bautista’s final season at international level? The Spaniard finished his eighth year in the production-based world championship with one top-three finish and eight further top-five finishes, yet ended up in ninth place in the championship standings – making him only the seventh-best Ducati rider.

For the Barni team, this was not enough to keep the 41-year-old on board any longer, and they signed Xavi Vierge for 2027.

“Being able to end the season on a positive note at Jerez gave me a good feeling – but that probably came a bit too late,” admits Bautista. “Overall, it was a difficult year – a new bike and a new team, plus an injury midway through the season. It wasn’t easy. But we didn’t give up and were able to put in some solid performances towards the end of the season. It’s a shame it’s already over, because I’d have liked to have had more weekends like that.”

Bautista has been racing at World Championship level for 24 years (!) and turns 42 on 21 November, yet he still feels too fit and too fast to retire.

“As for the future, I wanted to take some time to think it through properly. I’ve got a few ideas in mind. The good thing is that there are definitely a few options on the table,” asserted the 63-time Superbike winner. “Physically and mentally, I feel good and would love to carry on racing. I’ve recently proved that I’m still quick. It’s important to me that I’m motivated and find a team that really wants me. I’d like to race in a championship that welcomes me and where I’m not at a disadvantage compared to my rivals.”

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Readers of SPEEDWEEK.com know that such an opportunity is available to Bautista in MotoAmerica with Team Strack Ducati. The Spaniard is conducting the negotiations himself. In areas that go beyond team negotiations, he continues to work with his manager, Simone Battistellan.