Alvaro Bautista revealed his contractual rupture with Ducati for 2025-2026, in a surprising statement that shook the Misano paddock during media day.

The Spanish two-time world champion from Aruba.it Racing – Ducati explained that, despite expressing willingness to continue, it was the Italian brand itself that decided not to accept previously agreed conditions, leaving him free on the rider market.

The 39-year-old rider described the contractual situation clearly and directly. ‘I had signed with Ducati for ’25 and ’26, but with the possibility of breaking the contract from my side and also from their side’, explained Bautista.

This bilateral termination clause was foreseen in the original agreement, but the Spaniard expected both parties to opt for continuity, given his expressed willingness to remain with the team.

Communication of his intention to continue was made proactively by Bautista. ‘I communicated to the team that, from my side, I was happy and wanted to continue because I felt that, even with the rules, we’re working and arriving to a good performance’, he revealed.

This statement demonstrates that the Spanish rider believed in the project and Ducati’s development potential, even facing regulatory changes affecting WorldSBK.

Ducati’s response surprised Bautista, who didn’t hide his disappointment. ‘Then, Ducati said from their side, they don’t want to accept the conditions we signed so they broke the agreement’, explained the Spaniard.

This unilateral rupture by the Italian brand leaves several questions open about the motives behind this decision, especially considering Bautista’s success record with Ducati.

Despite the contractual situation, Bautista maintains focus on competition and his intention to continue in motorcycling’s elite. ‘My intention is to keep racing because I feel good’, he stated, making clear that at 39 he still feels competitive and motivated.

With free agent status for 2025, Bautista becomes one of the most valuable pieces in the WorldSBK transfer market, able to choose between various options to continue his career.

This split between Ducati and the rider could be linked to some shifts in the MotoGP market ahead of 2026, with several riders at risk for next season and some big names currently under contract only until the end of the current season: Franco Morbidelli, Luca Marini, Jack Miller, and Johann Zarco.