Another year together
Waiting for the return of the Superbike next weekend, with the riders set to take to the track at Donington a month after the Misano Round, the Barni Spark Racing team has announced an official confirmation: the Bergamo-based team has reached an agreement with Yari Montella for a contract renewal valid for 2027, with the Campanian rider continuing his experience in SBK with the same Independent team born in 2023, that year in the Supersport championship.
Read more Donington 2026: schedule and TV times
The first statements
Currently 3rd in the standings behind the Ducati duo made up of Nicolò Bulega (so far always on the top step of the podium) and teammate Iker Lecuona, Montella has so far achieved eight total podiums, three of which in the last round at Misano. Performances that convinced Team Principal Marco Barnabò to propose a contract renewal to his rider for the next season, with Montella accepting the offer: “Confirming another year with Barni was one of my goals after a half-season like this. It was already in the air that such an opportunity could arise, I am very happy and satisfied. I want to thank the team because they showed trust in me for another year. With the next one, it will be five years of collaboration with Barni. In terms of continuity, for such an important project started in Supersport, this renewal is something that makes me proud, because we have managed to build a relationship in which we have rejoiced and also suffered together, strengthening the bond more and more over the years. We remain focused on 2026, because it is shaping up to be an important year for me and the team. The confirmation also for 2027 allows me not to lose sight of the goal and concentration on the current season.”
Words from Barnabò could not be missing, determined to make further progress ahead of the next championship: “We are happy and proud to renew the agreement with Yari, because the results are showing that the work, continuity and commitment, on his part and the team’s, are bearing fruit. Although there have been difficult moments, this season the championship and his performances are confirming the value of the path taken together. We know that we still lack one last step to be competitive on all tracks and we are convinced that, continuing the work started with Yari, we will be able to achieve it. For this reason, the renewal was a natural choice. I also want to thank all our sponsors, technicians and officials, who allow us to continue this journey and make important choices like this. A special thanks goes to Ducati, which constantly provides us with a competitive bike and allows us to aim for increasingly important goals.”
Read more Donington 2026, Superpole: new record by Bulega, still ahead of everyone
Doubts about Bautista
The real question mark, to date, remains the future of the two-time world champion Alvaro Bautista, Montella’s teammate. Besides the results below expectations, the 41-year-old Spaniard has faced some physical problems during this season.
Read more Donington 2026, Race 1: Lecuona puts the word ‘end’ to Bulega’s dominance
