WorldSBK: This is When Ducati Will Reveal 2025 Riders

Alex Harrington | Aug 10, 2024

August 26, 2012; Brno, CZECH REPUBLIC; MotoGP rider Alvaro Bautista (ESP) looks on prior to the Czech Republic Grand Prix at Automotodrom Brno. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Ducati has confirmed its plan to finalize its 2025 rider lineup by the end of August. The decision is key as the team focuses on solidifying a strong roster to challenge for top places.

Currently, Ducati's factory riders Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro Bautista hold second and third places in the rider standings, trailing behind BMW's Toprak Razgatlioglu. Despite some hurdles at the Portuguese race, with Bautista facing physical discomfort and a challenging crash, the Ducati team remains optimistic about retaining its leading riders, especially Bautista.

Serafino Foti, the Aruba.it Racing Ducati Team Manager, expressed hsi commitment to keeping Alvaro Bautista for the upcoming season.

"Our goal is to try and keep [Bautista] also for next year. Alvaro is our priority, and we will try to do our best to continue with him," said Foti. "Before the end of August we [Ducati] will finalize everything."

The Portuguese campaign was a mixture of challenges for Bautista. Despite his trials, including a crash influenced by gusty winds which he attributed to a faster approach but unchanged braking point, Bautista remains positively focused.

"The wind was the issue for the crash because it started to get stronger after the middle of FP2. In that corner, the wind pushed me a lot," explained Bautista. "I have a bit of road rash but it's no problem."

Further discussing the changes made to counter these challenges, Bautista shared insights into the modifications tailored to aid his performance against adverse conditions. "We also tried some different gearing to deal with the wind," he stated.

Foti also commented on the preparations in place to boost Bautista’s performance following his challenging day.

"To be honest, this morning he had a problem with the bike but anyway today is not the best day for him because he is a little bit sick," Foti remarked. "I think tomorrow will be better because we are preparing him really well and also tonight. It’s not a good day but anyway, we will try and improve tomorrow," he concluded.

As the deadline approaches, Ducati's decisions in the coming weeks will significantly shape its future in the WorldSBK championship.