Xavi Vierge Will Join Barni Spark Racing in 2027
The rider will shift teams for the 2027 season as the squad prepares for a roster change.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Motorsports
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Xavi Vierge will join the Barni Spark Racing Team for the 2027 season, moving from his current position with Pata Maxus Yamaha. This transition follows the announced departure of two-time World Superbike Champion Alvaro Bautista.
Why it matters
The signing underscores a strategic shift for the Barni Spark Racing Team, which currently ranks third in the Teams' Championship and recently secured the Best Independent Team title. Vierge chose the team for their proven historical performance and a shared vision for future competitiveness.
Xavi Vierge, who rides under number 97, finished 7th in the 2025 WorldSBK Championship. His new team, Barni Spark Racing, currently maintains a 3rd place ranking in the Teams' Championship.
The players
Xavi Vierge
He is a professional motorcycle racer who currently competes for the Pata Maxus Yamaha team.
Barni Spark Racing Team
This is an independent racing squad that recently secured the Best Independent Team title in WorldSBK.
Alvaro Bautista
He is an accomplished two-time World Superbike Champion who will depart his current team after the 2026 season.
The details
Alvaro Bautista will complete his final races with the Barni Spark Racing Team, concluding his tenure after the season finale in Jerez. The team announced this upcoming roster change via Instagram ahead of the racing action at Estoril.
Timeline
Alvaro Bautista concludes his time with Barni Racing Team in 2026.
The WorldSBK race at Estoril takes place on October 9, 2026.
Xavi Vierge begins riding for Barni Spark Racing Team in 2027.
Season Trajectory
This roster move signals a significant realignment for the Barni Spark Racing Team as they look to build on their status as the Best Independent Team. The shift affects the competitive balance of the grid as the team attempts to maintain its third-place standing in the championship.
Fans tracking team performance should note that Barni Spark Racing currently sits 3rd in the Teams' Championship. The transition marks the end of the Bautista era at the team following the final 2026 race in Jerez.
The takeaway
The move suggests a focus on future growth for the Barni Spark Racing Team as they seek to capitalize on their recent independent success. Readers can expect a new dynamic on the track when Vierge debuts with the team in 2027.
Further reading
For more on upcoming team changes, visit Motorsports.
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