Expectation of a switch from MotoGP to WorldSBK was strengthened by a statement from the Italian rider. Morbidelli confirmed in his own words that he will compete in the championship he will participate in next season.
Nicolo Bulega is Expected to Take His Place
It was suggested that Nicolo Bulega, who is expected to move to WorldSBK after a nine-season MotoGP career, will replace the 2017 Moto2 world champion in the factory Ducati team. However, this team agreement has not been officially announced yet.
Morbidelli's Statements
Morbidelli, who was present in the paddock at the end of the WorldSBK weekend in Cremona, made noteworthy remarks regarding his future while evaluating Nicolo Bulega's championship season.
It was really impressive. Ducati was very strong, but Nicolo was incredible. He dominated his rivals everywhere he went.
Morbidelli stated that watching his World Championship was special to him, and then used a phrase hinting at 2027:
It is wonderful to witness him win his WorldSBK championship. For me, there is a different excitement because I will be in the world next year. I am slowly approaching the world. It is good to be here.
Although this statement did not confirm which team Morbidelli will ride for, it was the clearest indication yet of his presence in the WorldSBK grid in 2027.
Ducati Team Agreement Not Finalized
It is expected that Morbidelli will replace Nicolo Bulega, who will move to MotoGP by joining Aruba.it Racing Ducati next season. However, there has been no official announcement from Ducati regarding Morbidelli's agreement for 2027. Therefore, while the Italian rider's move to WorldSBK has been strongly indicated by his own words, it cannot be considered a confirmed transfer to the factory Ducati seat. Morbidelli's teammate will be Iker Lecuona. Ducati had previously announced its agreement with the Spanish rider after he won the first WorldSBK victory at Donington in July.
Lecuona's Performance
The Ducati squad for the upcoming season was noteworthy at the Cremona weekend. While Bulega guarantees the 2026 world championship with a controlled third place, Lecuona took pole position and won all three races over the weekend. These results mark the Spanish rider's first streak of three consecutive victories in a WorldSBK career, while Lecuona also secured the second pole position in Cremona for the season. If Morbidelli joins the factory Ducati team, the team will start the 2027 season with a very strong rider duo. Lecuona will stand out with his current WorldSBK experience and the performance he showed in 2026, while Morbidelli will bring significant Grand Prix experience to his Superbike career with MotoGP race victories and the Moto2 world championship. Morbidelli's statement, "the world I will be in next year," is the strongest indication that the transition from MotoGP to WorldSBK is beyond the rumor stage after the nine seasons.
Figures
- Archive: Morbidelli prepares for Ducati in WorldSBK in 2027 (September 8, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
