Alvaro Bautista has options for 2027, but none of the clear proposals currently gives him the motivation to remain in WorldSBK. The 41-year-old two-time champion wants to finish the season, step away from racing for a while and then assess what comes next.

The 2026 campaign has made that decision harder. After 10 rounds, Bautista has managed only one podium, matching his total from his first season with Honda in 2020. He had scored fewer points that year than he has already collected this season, but his performance was better than that of team-mate Leon Haslam, despite suffering more crashes.

At Barni Ducati, Bautista has been clearly outperformed by Yari Montella and has sometimes been the least competitive of the Ducati riders. His age and this season’s results have also complicated the search for a 2027 seat. Xavi Vierge will take Bautista’s place at Barni Ducati.

Bautista says he does not want to keep racing simply because he feels obliged to do so. He wants an option that motivates him and gives him a realistic chance to recover his form and performance level. If no agreement meets his wishes, the Estoril race could be his penultimate event at FIM World Championship level. His World Championship career began in the 125cc class in 2002, before he became a full-time rider there in 2003.