Nicolo Bulega Extends Contract with Ducati, Alvaro Bautista Departs

Ducati has announced the contract extension of Nicolo Bulega for the 2026 World Superbike (WSBK) season, while parting ways with two-time champion Alvaro Bautista. Released on June 11, 2025, this announcement marks a significant shift in the Ducati WSBK lineup, with Bulega poised as a potential successor to Bautista. Will this move strengthen Ducati’s dominance in WSBK?

Bulega’s Contract Extension

Nicolo Bulega, currently leading the 2025 WSBK standings with 252 points, has signed an extension to race with the Aruba.it Racing Ducati team in 2026. The 24-year-old Italian rider, who is chasing his first world title, will also share testing duties with MotoGP test rider Michele Pirro for Ducati’s 2027 prototype. This bike will adopt new technical regulations featuring an 850 cc engine and Pirelli tires, aligning with WSBK specifications. Though the contract is officially for one season, speculation suggests that Bulega’s success could open doors to MotoGP in 2027.

Alvaro Bautista’s Departure

Conversely, Ducati opted not to activate the extension clause in Alvaro Bautista’s contract, the 40-year-old Spaniard who won the WSBK titles in 2022 and 2023 with the Ducati Panigale V4R. Bautista signed a 1+1-year deal in 2024, with an option for either party to terminate after the second year. This decision ends Bautista’s long tenure with Ducati, a key figure in the team. Speculation now surrounds Bautista’s future, with possibilities of joining another team or retiring.

Reactions and Impact

Aruba.it Racing team manager Stefano Cecconi welcomed Bulega’s extension with optimism, stating, “Nicolo and the team will continue their partnership to write a new chapter in WSBK with the Panigale V4R.” Meanwhile, Bautista’s departure has sparked discussions among fans, who honor his contributions while acknowledging Ducati’s need for renewal. Bulega, leading Toprak Razgatlioglu by 31 points, appears ready to step into the spotlight, supported by his track experience and adaptability to new machinery.

Challenges and Opportunities

Bulega’s role as a 2027 prototype tester offers significant opportunities to advance Ducati’s technology, particularly with Pirelli tires he already masters in WSBK. However, the pressure to maintain performance and fill Bautista’s void will be a formidable challenge. Bautista’s exit also creates opportunities for other riders, such as Razgatlioglu, to pursue the title, intensifying competition in the upcoming season.

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