Alvaro Bautista Confirms WSBK Future
Alvaro Bautista has committed his short-term future to Ducati after signing a new one-year contract in World Superbike
Two-time reigning World Superbike champion Alvaro Bautista has finally got his new deal over the line after weeks of contract negotiations with Ducati.
Bautista made it clear in recent weeks that he wanted to stay in World Superbike in 2025, and fightback against Toprak Razgatlioglu who is a clear favourite to wrap up his second title - first with BMW.
Bautista has struggled in 2024 following rule changes which introduced a minimum rider/bike weight limit. The former MotoGP rider is one of the smallest riders on the grid, so the added ballast of 6kg to his Panigale V4 R has unsurprisingly had an effect.
Bautista has not won since the Superpole Race at Assen 13 races ago, but the defending champion is committed to bouncing back in 2025.
Speaking about his new deal, Bautista said: “I am thrilled to continue another season with Ducati, with Aruba and with this beautiful team that represents a family to me. I feel physically and mentally perfect, and I am sure I can still be very competitive.
“Furthermore, there is an extraordinary relationship with everyone, from the mechanics to the management, to the sponsors, which is why I am even happier. I want to thank Ducati, Aruba, Stefano Cecconi, Daniele Casolari and Serafino Foti for their trust in me. I hope I can repay them by returning to having as much fun on track as we did in the last rounds.”
Bautista, despite difficult negotiations, remained Ducati’s clear number-one choice for 2025, and Ducati Corse General Manager, Gigi Dall’Igna added: “We are delighted to continue with Alvaro Bautista. He has given us great emotions in recent seasons, and his talent certainly remains unquestionable.
“The new regulations and the very high level reached by the World Superbike Championship will make 2025 challenging, but we are ready to face it together. For now, it is important to stay focused on the current season: the Championship is still long, and we will do everything we can to put Alvaro in a position to defend the world title until the end.”
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