Tito Rabat swaps MotoGP for WorldSBK with Barni Ducati deal

TitoRabat will become the latest rider to swap MotoGP for WorldSBK after agreeing a deal to join the Barni Racing Ducati squad for the 2021 season.

The Spaniard has been competing in MotoGP for the past five seasons and was originally due to do so again in 2021 with Avintia Racing before an agreement was reached where he would step down to allow Luca Marini to replace him instead.

Moto2 champion in 2014, Rabat struggled to replicate that form at MotoGP level during stints with Marc VDS Honda and Avintia Ducati, picking up a best finish of seventh place in 2018.

As such, Rabat will seek a new challenge in WorldSBK with the leading satellite Ducati squad, following in the wheel tracks of Alvaro Bautista, Marco Melandri and Scott Redding, to name but a few.

“After many years in MotoGP I will have the chance to start a new adventure in WorldSBK and I want to show all my potential in this Championship. I know I'll have at my disposal a great bike and a good team, for this opportunity I want to thank the Barni Racing Team and Ducati. 

“For me, the new challenge started today when I jumped on the Ducati Panigale V4 R for the first time. I can't wait to take it on track, and I will work hard to be full prepared for the first test.”

Rabat's signing means 20 riders are now confirmed to the 2021 WorldSBK Championship grid with the likes of Ten Kate Racing, Motocorsa Racing, Brixx Performance and MIE Racing yet to announce riders for next year.