[WorldSBK] Franco Morbidelli to compete in the 2027 WSBK! Joins Ducati factory team as replacement for Nicolo Bulega

It has been announced that Franco Morbidelli will move to the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) starting from the 2027 season, joining the factory team, Aruba.it Racing – Ducati. He is set to start a new challenge on a Ducati machine as the successor to Nicolo Bulega, who is moving to MotoGP.

Moving from MotoGP to WorldSBK: Joining the factory team as Bulega's successor

It has been revealed that Franco Morbidelli will join Aruba.it Racing – Ducati in the Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) starting from the 2027 season. Morbidelli, currently 31, has been active in the World Championship for 9 seasons in the MotoGP class, and 14 seasons including Moto2. He has secured the factory Ducati seat as the successor to Nicolo Bulega, who is moving to the VR46 Racing Team in MotoGP. Notably, Bulega was crowned the 2026 WorldSBK champion.

Morbidelli competed full-time in the European Superstock 600 in 2012, finishing 6th in the rankings while competing against riders like Michael van der Mark. The following year, in 2013, he won the title in the same class with 5 podiums and 2 victories, leading to his step up to Moto2. He began competing full-time in Moto2 in 2014 at the age of 20 and achieved his first podium in Indianapolis in 2015. After moving to the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS Racing Team in 2016 and finishing 4th in the rankings, he became the Moto2 champion in 2017 with 8 wins, 12 podiums, and 6 pole positions.

He made his MotoGP debut in 2018 and moved to Petronas Yamaha SRT in 2019, finishing 10th in the rankings. In the 2020 season, which was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, he achieved 3 wins and 5 podiums, finishing 2nd in the rankings, just 13 points behind champion Joan Mir. During the 2021 season, he moved to the factory Yamaha team as a replacement for Maverick Vinales and raced for two seasons. He moved to Pramac Ducati in 2024, finishing 9th in the rankings, and joined his current team, Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, in 2025, where he has achieved 2 podiums and is currently 7th in the rankings.

The 2027 WorldSBK grid will feature talented riders such as Iker Lecuona, who will be Morbidelli's teammate, as well as Jack Miller and Brad Binder, who are moving from MotoGP. Morbidelli is currently riding a Ducati machine, and by continuing to ride a machine from the same manufacturer even after changing categories, the continuity of working methods and technical approaches will be maintained. New developments are planned for the 2027 season, including the final round being held in Shanghai.

Expectations for experience with new tire introduction: Comments from Morbidelli and team leadership

Regarding this transfer, Morbidelli stated that he is excited about this new chapter in his career. While expressing his gratitude to Ducati and Aruba, he showed his enthusiasm to do his best and achieve great results to meet the expectations of a team that is constantly fighting at the top and has just won a title.

Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall'Igna highly praised Morbidelli's talent, speed, technical sensitivity, and adaptability. He explained that his extensive experience in MotoGP and deep knowledge of the Ducati environment will be crucial for the new technical challenges awaiting in 2027. He stated that Morbidelli possesses the qualities to keep the winning project they have built over many years at the top.

Additionally, Team Principal Stefano Cecconi stated that he welcomes Morbidelli with enthusiasm. With an eye on the Michelin tires to be introduced to WSBK in the 2027 season, he has high expectations for the valuable feedback Morbidelli has cultivated in top teams. Morbidelli's participation in his new environment is scheduled to begin from the 2027 season.