Morbidelli Lands Ducati Factory World Superbike Ride After MotoGP Exit
Italian veteran lands lifeline after VR46 struggles; Michelin experience key factor
Franco Morbidelli will race for Ducati‘s factory World Superbike team in 2027, the Italian manufacturer confirmed ahead of this weekend’s Indonesian Grand Prix, securing a lifeline for the 31-year-old after his MotoGP options evaporated.
The move represents a straight personnel swap with reigning World Superbike champion Nicolò Bulega, who graduates to a full-time MotoGP seat with the VR46 Racing Team. Morbidelli has spent the past two seasons at VR46, Ducati’s satellite squad, where a prolonged slump erased the form that yielded three premier-class victories in 2020 and a championship runner-up finish.
“After a year like this last one it’s not easy to choose me,” Morbidelli acknowledged at Mandalika. “But clearly Ducati has some trust in the job that I can do and I’m really grateful about that.”
That trust carries strategic weight. World Superbike adopts Michelin tires next season as part of a supplier swap that sends Pirelli to MotoGP. Morbidelli brings seven seasons of Michelin experience from MotoGP — data and feedback Ducati’s WSBK program lacks. General manager Gigi Dall’Igna cited that technical continuity when announcing the signing.
Morbidelli’s VR46 tenure deteriorated amid frequent on-track incidents and qualifying struggles. He failed to score a podium in 2024 and entered this season without a 2027 contract. The WSBK offer materialized only after Bulega’s title-winning campaign forced Ducati’s hand on his MotoGP promotion.
The Roman will debut a special Garuda-themed livery this weekend at the Indonesian GP, his final appearance at the circuit as a MotoGP regular. His factory Panigale V4 R program begins testing in November.
Contrast arrived in the same press conference. Maverick Viñales, also departing MotoGP without a 2027 seat, struck a defiant tone: “I haven’t given up yet.” The Spaniard continues exploring options across series but acknowledged sleepless nights weighing his future.
Ducati’s retention of Morbidelli underscores a broader paddock dynamic: manufacturers increasingly shelter proven talent within their ecosystems rather than lose them to rivals, even when premier-class performance fades.
