Three-time World Champion Alvaro Bautista says his “purpose” is to “hold racing” in 2026, and that he appears like he’s the rider almost definitely to battle Nicolo Bulega subsequent 12 months.
Bautista is not going to stay with Ducati in 2026 on the identical contract he presently has with the Bologna model. It doesn’t imply Bautista gained’t be aboard a Panigale V4 R in 2026, but it surely does imply his choices are open.
The Spanish rider, who gained the World Superbike title with Ducati in 2022 and 2023, says his velocity in 2025 makes him “calm” about his 2026 prospects, regardless of sitting fourth within the standings at current, behind Nicolo Bulega, Toprak Razgatlioglu, and Danilo Petrucci.
“I’m fairly calm with regards to eager about the 2026 season,” Alvaro Bautista stated, chatting with WorldSBK.com forward of this weekend’s Hungarian Spherical.
“I’m doing my finest, acting at a excessive degree, and we’re combating to be within the prime three within the Riders’ Championship.
“Subsequent 12 months, Toprak [Razgatlioglu] will transfer to MotoGP, in order that leaves Nicolo [Bulega] on the entrance; there aren’t any different riders quicker than me who can be combating with him, so I’m not frightened about subsequent 12 months.
“I do know I’m doing issues effectively, every thing occurs for a cause, so I’m simply concentrating on the races that stay this season and specializing in having fun with each second.”
Bautista added that he feels sturdy “mentally and bodily” and that he feels he has extra to supply in WorldSBK.
“My purpose for subsequent 12 months is to maintain racing,” he stated.
“I really feel actually good, mentally and bodily. I really feel like there’s much more that I may give. I wish to be combating for good outcomes; I don’t wish to be right here simply to be one other rider.
“If I determine to proceed racing, it’s as a result of I really feel I nonetheless have the efficiency and potential to attain good outcomes. We’re combating for podiums in virtually each race; the tempo is there.”
