Angel Nieto MotoGP rider Alvaro Bautista will make his World Superbike debut in 2019 after agreeing a deal with Ducati, and will be joined by Chaz Davies.
A veteran of 16 years in grand prix racing, nine of those in MotoGP, Bautista's future in the premier class was plunged into doubt when the SIC team announced it would be taking over the grid slots of the Nieto squad.
With Yamaha boss Lin Jarvis confirming Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Quartararo – which will be officially announced on Friday evening – Bautista became heavily linked to a WSBK move.
Speaking in the pre-event British Grand Prix press conference, Bautista confirmed he would be moving to WSBK with Ducati.
“For me next season will be a new challenge because I will move from this Champ after 16 years and I will move to World Superbike with Aruba Ducati official team,” the former 125cc world champion said.
“I’m so motivated, it’s a new challenge for me. I think the confidence Ducati put in me is really good and together we are very strong.
“I think we can get a good result there and have good fun, it’s a Championship that’s growing, so I look forward to this new challenge and I will also try to enjoy my last races in the MotoGP Championship.”
Ducati has also confirmed Davies will remain with the Italian outfit, with whom he has raced with since 2015, and currently lies second in the standings.
As a result, Marco Melandri has been left without a ride and could exit the series altogether after just two years into his WSBK comeback.
Ducati will introduce a new V4 1000cc Panigale next year to replace its current twin-cylinder 1199cc, though Bautista is not expected test the machine until after the Valencia Grand Prix.
