Official: Samuele Cavalieri returns to WorldSBK with Barni Racing Ducati

Following former MotoGP rider Tito Rabat’ split from Barni Racing Ducati, Samuele Cavalieri will officially replace the Spaniard for the remainder of 2021.

Robert Jones

14 Sep 2021

Samuele Cavalieri, Misano WorldSBK 2021
© Gold and Goose

After splitting from Pedercini Kawasaki earlier this season, Italian rider Samuele Cavalieri has officially returned to WorldSBK with Barni Racing Ducati for the remainder of 2021.

This comes after former MotoGP rider Tito Rabat left the team following round eight of the season at Magny-Cours.

Rabat claimed just one top ten finish from 24 races in what can only be described as a disastrous transition from MotoGP to Superbike machinery.

For Cavalieri it’s a return to the championship with the same team he competed for in 2020.

Like Rabat, Cavalieri had his own issues at the beginning of the season with Pedercini Kawasaki before leaving them after round three in Misano.

Speaking about joining Barni Racing Ducati, Cavalieri said: "This is the opportunity I have been waiting for. First, I want to thank Barni for the opportunity.

"Obviously, a special thanks goes also to my family and my sponsors who have made this happen.

"I will have five rounds left and there will be time to get the bike comfortable for my riding style.

"The fact that I already know the team, which is practically the same as last year, will be an advantage, but the most important thing is to work methodically and not be in a hurry.

"The first goal will be to adapt as quickly as possible, to ride without pressure, improving race by race."

One of the reasons Barni Racing chose to go with Cavalieri was because of the partnership established last season, but also because it’s ‘the right moment’ in the Italian’ career.

Marco Barnabo, Team Principal at Barni Racing Team, added: "We choose Samuele because he already raced with us, but above all because I think it is the right moment for his career.

"He is young, but he has already gained experience in WorldSBK and I think he still has room for growth. This experience could help him to take the decisive step.

"Coming into the Championship at the middle of the season is not easy because he will face riders who already have lots of races on their bikes, but for this reason every step will be very important, and every result will taste even sweeter."