Alvaro Bautista all but confirmed his defection to the Honda WorldSBK squad today at the Portimao test, saying his relationship with Ducati will come to an end at the end of the season.

Although no announcement has been made, Bautista will join Honda for the 2020 season but whether it will be in the current Moriwaki squad or a new HRC-run operation is now the subject of much speculation.

“During the summer break, there have been a lot of rumours away from the track. One thing is clear that the relationship between Ducati and me will finish after this season,” said Bautista, speaking at Portimao.

“For sure I will have a new challenge for the next season, but for now the future is just the next round.”

Ducati are expected to announce the appointment of former MotoGP star and current BSB rider Scott Redding as Chaz Davies’ team-mate in the near future.