WSB: Alvaro Bautista signs 2025 contract with Aruba.it Racing Ducati

Alvaro Bautista has signed a new one-year deal to remain at the factory Aruba.it Racing Ducati team for the 2025 World Superbike Championship season.

The Spaniard won the title with the team in 2022 and 2023, having initially finished runner-up to Jonathan Rea in 2019 before joining Team HRC in 2020.

Bautista dominated during both of his title-winning campaigns and has enjoyed plenty of success in the red of Ducati, taking 61 race wins to become the Italian manufacturers’ most successful WorldSBK rider of all time.

2024 hasn’t been so enjoyable for the Spaniard, who came into the season at less than 100% following injuries sustained during a test ahead of his MotoGP wildcard at Sepang last November.

Changes to the regulations with regards to weight have also played their part, with ballast being added to the Ducati V4 R to increase the overall weight of the rider and machine. With Bautista being one of the lightest riders on the grid, the change impacted him the most.

Bautista is currently third in the standings, but is a staggering 142 points behind Toprak Razgatlioglu, and 50 behind rookie teammate Nicolo Bulega.

“I am thrilled to continue another season with Ducati, with Aruba and with this beautiful team that represents a family to me,” Bautista said. “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.”

Bautista has two wins to his name so far in 2024 (Barcelona Race 2 & Assen Supersport Race), with a total of 11 podiums. This compares to title rival Razgatlioglu’s 15 wins, with the Turkish rider currently on a 13-race winning streak onboard the BMW.

“I have said many times that our priority was to continue with Alvaro and I couldn’t wait to be able to announce the renewal of our collaboration officially,” Stefano Cecconi, Aruba.it Racing Ducati team principal, said.

“It is a pleasure to work with him, both from a personal and professional point of view. I am convinced that by continuing to work hard together, we will be able to overcome the new challenges that the new regulations offer us.

“During the last few races we have found solutions that have allowed Alvaro to rediscover the sensations that were a bit lacking at the beginning of the year. Now, we must continue on this path to make a grand season finale and close the gap that separates us from the top.”

The decision to keep Bautista means that there is no room in the factory team next season for current World Supersport Championship leader Adrian Huertas. The Spaniard rides for the Arbua.it Racing Supersport team onboard the Ducati V2, and currently holds a 20-point lead over Yari Montella. Bulega joined Bautista in the factory Superbike team having won the Supersport title in 2023.