Tito Rabat leaves Barni Ducati by 'mutual consent'

Former Moto2 champion and MotoGP rider Tito Rabat has split from the Barni Racing team after eight rounds of the 2021 World Superbike season.

The Spaniard is currently 15th in the world championship - with a best finish of ninth, one of only two top-ten appearances - leaving him as the lowest ranked of the Ducati riders.

Citing results, the decision to part ways is by 'mutual consent' with Barni now seeking a replacement rider to join the team from next weekend's Barcelona round.

Ducati test rider Michele Pirro is among those that could be ready to step in at such short notice.

'The Barni Racing Team and Tito Rabat have reached a mutual agreement to terminate their collaboration for the 2021 WorldSBK season,' read a team statement.

'Despite the efforts made by both sides and taking note of the results not in line with the targets, the team and the rider decided to put an end to the collaboration.

'Team manager and team owner Marco Barnabò thanks Tito for the determination and commitment showed for the whole season so far, and he wishes him the best professional luck for the future.

'The Barni Racing Team is already working to continue the season with a new rider starting from the Barcelona round scheduled on September 17th-19th.'

After three podiums as a 125cc grand prix rider, Rabat celebrated 13 wins and the 2014 world title in Moto2. The Spaniard went on to achieve a best result of seventh place during five seasons in MotoGP, on satellite Honda and then Ducati machinery.

Rabat's most recent grand prix appearances were as a replacement for the injured Jorge Martin at Pramac Ducati for the Jerez and Le Mans rounds earlier this year, where he took a best finish of 15th.

Having struggled during his debut year in Superbike, it remains to be seen if, at the age of 32, Rabat will now seek a return to the grand prix paddock via a possible seat in Moto2.