Two-time champion Alvaro Bautista believes Ducati’s riders are behind the marque’s dominance in WorldSBK.
Ducati has dominated the Manufacturers’ Championship since 2022, with Bautista securing the riders’ title in both 2022 and 2023.
While Toprak Razgatlioglu disrupted that run by winning the 2024 and 2025 titles with BMW, Ducati has remained the benchmark in WorldSBK overall.
Now in 2026, factory Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega has won all 12 races so far, extending his winning streak to a record 16 consecutive victories dating back to Estoril last season.
With three Ducati riders leading the standings and the Balaton Park Superpole race top six all on Borgo Panigale machinery, Bautista believes those on the latest evolution of the V4 R are making the difference.
“I think Ducati has invested a lot to build a competitive bike, not just for racing but also for customers,” shared Bautista to GPone at Balaton Park.
“Anyone who buys a Ducati knows they’re getting a top-tier bike. Other manufacturers invest too, but you need it all: a good bike and good riders as well.
“The Ducati lineup is very strong, and that makes the difference.”
Bautista argues that successful riders are unfairly penalised, with rivals waiting for sanctions against the strongest performers.
He believes the focus should be on balancing the bikes rather than restricting riders’ freedom, including through the weight rule introduced in 2024 that impacted him.
Despite these measures, Ducati remains dominant, and he suggests that fewer restrictions could make racing more competitive.
“The problem is that it seems like those who do well get penalised,” shared the 41-year-old.
“Some manufacturers are simply waiting for penalties to be handed out to the strongest riders. It’s a mindset I don’t agree with.
“In the past, Ducati and even Kawasaki have been penalised, but the strange thing is when they penalise the riders: it makes no sense.
“Every rider should be free to express themselves, and the focus should be on balancing the bikes instead.
“In the end, even with penalties, the Ducatis stay ahead. Perhaps without these restrictions, some riders could be more competitive—myself included.”
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