Aruba.it Ducati team principal Stefano Cecconi has provided an important update on its 2026 WorldSBK rider line-up.
The contracts of incumbent riders Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro Bautista both expire at the end of the 2025 season.
Championship leader Bulega has previously stated his ambition of staying put for the new season and revealed that both parties haven’t discussed the finer details just yet.
“To be honest, we’re just on the third round, there is no rush,” Cecconi stated to WorldSBK.
“We just started talking about the future, but no decision will be taken anytime soon.
“I hope within a couple of months, before the beginning of the summer, to be 90% sure of what is going on.”
Ducati is eager to plan for 2026 as early as possible and has two plans in mind to secure Bulega’s future in Bologna.
“The sooner the better but like I said no rush, we will take our time whether that is a couple weeks or a few months.
“Talking about Nicolo, it might be a two-year contract, but as a plan B it may be 1+1.”
Alvaro Bautista likely to stay if he is ‘having fun’
Two-time champion Bautista looks set to remain with Ducati beyond 2025, but contract negations will start when he is enjoying his racing.
The Spaniard’s mindset in 2025 is rediscovering his feelings on the bike after a difficult 2024 season that saw only four wins.
Cecconi explained that this feeling is crucial in determining whether the 40-year-old will remain in the series.
“Regarding Alvaro, the first question is to see if he is going to be having fun again, as he has said many times,” Cecconi began.
“The feeling on the bike is very important for him to make the decision or not. He’s on a good path so far on the bike and if he can follow this feeling then we can talk about the future.
“As a policy normally we first make sure that the rider is going to stay, then we work on the new bike, it doesn’t make sure to work on the bike with a rider that you’re not sure if they’re staying or not.
“Renewal first, then we focus on the new bike with the riders we are sure we will have.”
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