Álvaro Bautista, the current WorldSBK champion with Ducati, addressed his future career plans following the Donington Park round, sparking widespread discussion. Bautista, whose contract with Ducati expires at the end of 2025, confirmed he is a free agent with no current contract, stating he is in talks with multiple manufacturers. He expressed confidence in his performance, noting over 300 competitive laps this season, and indicated he has options to wild-card in MotoGP, though not as a full-time rider. Bautista highlighted ongoing discussions with Ducati, leaving the door open for a potential role with a satellite team, while also considering a full-time WorldSBK continuation. The 39-year-old Spaniard, who has won two consecutive WorldSBK titles, recorded a pole position time of 1’39.687 at Donington, reinforcing his competitive edge. Posts found on X suggest fan and industry interest in his next move, with some speculating a shift to MotoGP’s lighter weight categories due to WorldSBK’s recent rule changes, which Bautista has publicly critiqued as discriminatory. Ducati officials have signaled willingness to take risks with his replacement, hinting at a strategic shift. No final decisions have been announced, with Bautista emphasizing a focus on current performance and a calm approach to negotiations. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as the season progresses toward its October conclusion.
34news.online
34news.online
