Ducati has entered into negotiations with present KTM MotoGP rider Jack Miller to switch Alvaro Bautista within the World Superbike Championship subsequent 12 months.
Bautistia’s future in WSBK got here beneath menace on the earlier spherical in Most, the place one other hat-trick of victories for BMW’s Toprak Razgatlioglu additional dented any hopes of including a 3rd straight title to his tally.
Not solely has Bautista been unable to place up any resistance in opposition to the Turkish rider, he has additionally not been in a position to match the performances of his rookie team-mate Nicolo Bulega, who sits 40 factors and one place forward of him within the standings.
Over the course of the Czech Republic weekend, Bautista admitted for the primary time that he wished to stay with Ducati for at the very least another season in WSBK, signalling his hopes of a contract extension.
“I need to proceed. We’re speaking with Ducati about renewing the contract,” he mentioned. “I feel it is not truthful to finish my profession like this. I must benefit from the bike once more, to really feel sturdy.”
It’s understood that the Spaniard’s representatives sat down with Ducati and requested for a extra financially profitable contract, which prompted the Borgo Panigale to search for options.
Alvaro Bautista, Aruba.It Racing – Ducati
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Photographs
Ducati’s manufacturing unit staff has a funds shut to at least one million euros for rider salaries, of which the Spaniard already receives €750,000 a 12 months, with Bulega taking dwelling €200,000.
Bulega has reportedly renewed his contract for 2025 and obtained a considerable improve in wage on the again of his spectacular outcomes this 12 months, along with his pay going as much as €450,000. Which means the second Ducati rider will obtain roughly the identical quantity subsequent 12 months from a complete funds of beneath €1m, which is way decrease than what Bautista aspires for.
This has now introduced Miller into play, and Motorsport.com understands that Ducati has reached out to him concerning a transfer to WSBK.
Miller was a part of Ducati’s MotoGP effort between 2018-22, as he spent three years with Pramac earlier than stepping as much as the manufacturing unit staff in 2021. He scored three victories in his time at Ducati within the premier class throughout his time, the final of which arrived on the Japanese GP in 2022.
The Australian moved to KTM final 12 months on the finish of his stint with Ducati, however is leaving the Austrian model after Pedro Acosta was promoted to the manufacturing unit staff alongside Brad Binder, whereas Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini have been signed to the satellite tv for pc Tech3 squad from 2025.
It initially appeared that the Australian may discover a reprieve at Aprilia’s satellite tv for pc staff Trackhouse Racing, which was on the lookout for a brand new rider to take the place at the moment occupied by Miguel Oliveira. However with the American outfit now closing in on a take care of Moto2 championship contender Ai Ogura, that route additionally now seems to be closed.
Ai Ogura, MT Helmets MSI
Photograph by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Photographs
Miller is now ready for different strikes within the rider market earlier than deciding the subsequent course in his profession. Other than Ducati, he’s believed to have at the very least another supply from a manufacturing unit staff to affix WSBK in 2025.
Nonetheless, the 29-year-old prefers to pursue his choices within the premier class in the mean time and has requested for time till the Austrian GP on 16-18 August earlier than finalising his future.
