Barni Spark Racing Team has added Xavi Vierge to its 2027 WorldSBK line-up, confirming at the same time that Alvaro Bautista will not continue with the Italian squad. Vierge will race alongside Yari Montella, who is staying with Barni for a third season after moving up from Supersport in 2025.

The change follows the decision not to retain Vierge at Pata Yamaha. Jack Miller, a MotoGP race winner, is expected to take his place there. For Barni, the agreement with Vierge settles its rider line-up for next season and maintains its role as a Ducati satellite team.

Bautista’s next move remains open

Bautista is coming through a difficult first WorldSBK season outside a factory team. He has one podium in 2026 so far, while fourth is his best result in a race held in dry conditions. His campaign has also been affected by injuries. The 41-year-old has not yet confirmed his next move, and losing the Barni seat increases the retirement speculation around him without making that outcome certain.

Vierge said that, despite having other options, he chose Barni because of the team’s history, passion and level of performance in WorldSBK. Team principal Marco Barnabo said the two sides quickly established common ground on the aims and priorities of their collaboration. Barni therefore has a defined Vierge–Montella pairing for 2027, while Bautista’s future remains the most significant open question in this part of the rider market.