In the golden glow of the Spanish sun at Jerez, the 2025 FIM Superbike World Championship finale unfolded as more than just the last race of the season—it was a poignant farewell to an era. The paddock buzzed with nostalgia and anticipation as three of the sport’s defining figures—Jonathan Rea, Toprak Razgatlioglu, and Alvaro Bautista—each took their turn in the spotlight, marking a seismic shift on the grid that will echo well into 2026.
For Alvaro Bautista, the weekend was a bittersweet crescendo. After seven seasons in World Superbike—five of them with the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati factory squad—the 40-year-old Spaniard brought his chapter with Ducati to a close. The numbers are staggering: two World Superbike titles, 63 race wins, and 59 additional podiums. Yet, as Bautista himself insisted, it’s not just about the numbers. “For sure, these last two seasons have been very tough for me. But I never gave up, I always tried to give my best. For sure, sometimes I was faster and sometimes I was slower, but I always tried my best. I feel our performance is to fight for the victory, and not to fight for third. Thanks to my team, because like me, they never gave up. They always helped me try to find something to be competitive,” Bautista told TNT Sports after a hat-trick of podium finishes at Jerez.
His final outing in Ducati red was nothing short of spectacular. Bautista clinched a second-place finish in Race 2, securing a double podium for the team and demonstrating that even as the oldest rider on the grid for 2026, he’s far from finished. “Yeah, of course, of course, I am really pleased. We have ended the season with three podiums here; it is very special,” he said, his voice tinged with both pride and the weight of farewell.
But behind the celebrations, Bautista’s reflections revealed the mental and physical toll of competing at the highest level. “I did my best,” he admitted. “In the early laps, I felt like a passenger, just trying not to lose too much ground. It’s a familiar scenario for me, but it seems to be worsening.” The challenge, he explained, was exacerbated by the controversial weight penalty (ballast) rules—a system he believes is overdue for reform. “I have a vision to eliminate the ballast rules and stop being a passenger at the start of races,” Bautista declared. “Barni is working hard on this front, but I believe it’s crucial for the championship to ensure all riders begin on equal footing. It’s unfair to penalize someone for their physicality. I’ve always argued that this is not the best way to balance competition.”
His concerns are not just about fairness, but also safety. Bautista referenced the recent incident involving Jonathan Rea, highlighting the dangers of additional weight on the bikes. “With added weight, the bike takes longer to stop. A heavier bike increases inertia and raises the risk of crashes. When a rider loses control, they can endanger others,” he warned. It’s a debate that’s gaining traction in the paddock, and with Bautista’s move to Barni Spark Racing Team for 2026, he’s poised to become an even more vocal advocate for change.
Despite the challenges, Bautista’s motivation remains undimmed. “I love the bike, and if I want to keep racing, it is because I feel strong, and I feel I can win,” he explained. “For sure, it is not easy in this situation, but the problem is that I have a lot of love for the bike. For me I think it is better to stay at home with my family. I have had a lot of victories, I have won a lot of titles, but for me, results, victories, and titles are a consequence; the important thing for me is to enjoy riding the bike.”
While speculation swirled about possible team tactics to prevent Toprak Razgatlioglu from clinching the title, Bautista was unequivocal. “No, we had no such plans. It was unlikely anything would unfold like in the Superpole Race. Toprak only needed four points to secure the championship. If an opportunity had arisen for Bulega while I was leading, perhaps I would have been asked to let him pass, but that never materialized,” he clarified. His focus, he insisted, was always on performance, not politics. “My results are not about proving others wrong; they’re about reaffirming my own competitiveness. While I may have been further off in Estoril, I was much closer here despite Friday’s challenges. Ducati has the data and knows my potential.”
The 2025 finale at Jerez was not just about Bautista’s swan song with Ducati. It also marked the departure of two other titans. Jonathan Rea, the most dominant superbike rider in history with 119 wins, 263 podiums, and 44 poles over 468 starts, missed his final race due to injury and finished the season 16th overall. His absence was keenly felt, the end of a storied era for Kawasaki and for the championship itself.
Meanwhile, Toprak Razgatlioglu, the charismatic showman, clinched his third World Superbike title and set his sights on MotoGP for 2026. His artistry and daring have left an indelible mark, and the paddock buzzes with speculation about who will step up to fill the void left by his departure.
As the Andalusian sun dipped below the horizon, the garages at Jerez stood silent, the echoes of revving engines and roaring crowds fading into memory. The impact of Rea, Razgatlioglu, and Bautista on World Superbike cannot be overstated. Together, they transformed the sport—each in their own way. Rea, the relentless record-setter; Toprak, the maverick; Bautista, the methodical survivor. Their rivalry, camaraderie, and sheer talent have defined a golden generation.
Looking ahead, the question looms: who will rise to the challenge in 2026? With Bautista joining Barni Spark Racing Team and advocating for change, and with new faces set to join the grid, the stage is set for a new chapter in World Superbike history. The legacy of these giants will linger in every turn and every race, inspiring the next wave of riders to reach for greatness.
For now, the paddock reflects on an emotional, transformative weekend. The end of an era is never easy, but as Bautista himself put it: “It is my target to keep enjoying, but for sure, I feel that I can win. It is a bit frustrating that I cannot win, because I feel like I am doing my best. But you cannot see the real results of our performance. In any case, the situation is like this, we will keep pushing and try to be stronger next year.”
As the World Superbike community prepares for the changes ahead, the echoes of Jerez will serve as both a tribute and a challenge—a reminder of what has been, and a call to what could be.
