Yari Montella and Barni Spark Racing have officially signed a contract extension that will keep them together through the 2027 WorldSBK season.
Behind the factory Ducati duo of Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona, the Italian currently sits best of the rest in the standings after the opening seven rounds of the 2026 season.
In his second WorldSBK season, Montella currently sits third in the championship with eight podium finishes to his name, including seven third-place finishes and a career-best second place in Race 1 at Phillip Island.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable rise, climbing from 18th in last year’s standings to third aboard the latest evolution of the Ducati Panigale V4 R.
He now holds a 71-point advantage over team-mate and two-time WorldSBK champion Alvaro Bautista.
“Extending my contract with Barni for another year was one of my goals after a season like this so far,” stated Montella in Barni’s press release.
“It already felt like something like this could happen in the air, so I’m very happy and satisfied. I want to thank the team for showing their trust in me for another year.
“With the next one, it will be five years of collaboration with Barni. In terms of continuity, for such an important project that started in Supersport, this renewal is something I’m proud of, because we’ve managed to build a relationship where we’ve celebrated and also gone through difficult moments together, strengthening our bond year after year.
“We remain focused on 2026, as it is shaping up to be an important year for both me and the team. The confirmation for 2027 allows me not to lose focus on the current season and our main objectives.”
Barni Spark’s team principal Marco Barnabo added: “We are pleased and proud to renew our agreement with Yari, as the results are proving that the work, continuity and commitment from both him and the team are paying off.
“Even if we have had some difficult moments, this season’s Championship and performances are confirming the value of the path we have taken together.
“We know that we are still missing one final step to be competitive on all tracks and we are confident that by continuing the work started with Yari, we will be able to achieve it.
“For this reason, the renewal was a natural choice. I would also like to thank all of our technical and of financial sponsors, who allow us to continue on this path and make important decisions like this one.
“A special thanks goes to Ducati, which consistently provides us with a competitive bike and enables us to aim for even greater achievements.”
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