Danilo Petrucci Breaks Silence After First BMW WorldSBK Test in November

WorldSBK, Sportrik Media — Danilo Petrucci has finally spoken for the first time as a factory BMW WorldSBK rider after completing his maiden test aboard the M1000 RR last November. The Italian described the session as a crucial milestone in his adaptation process after spending two seasons racing for Ducati in the World Superbike Championship.

Petrucci revealed that the November test represented an important first step in understanding the character of the BMW machine and the fundamental differences compared to the Ducati Panigale V4 R he has ridden since 2023.

“The November test was very important so we could have some kilometres before January and the start of the new season,” Petrucci told WorldSBK.com.

“It was good to share feedback with the crew, exchange information, and start discovering the bike, trying to understand its strengths and where I can be faster. It was definitely a very positive test.”

Petrucci now enters a new chapter of his WorldSBK career with BMW’s factory project, which is aiming for consistent podium finishes and a future title challenge.

When asked about his personal goals for the 2026 season, Petrucci preferred to keep a realistic and grounded approach. He stressed that throughout his career, his main objective has always been to improve his performance rather than set overly ambitious targets.

“I have always answered the same when people ask about my expectations. I want to improve my performance,” Petrucci explained.

“Last season, in 2025, I was fighting for third place in the championship until I got injured before Estoril.

“I was third in the standings, but I lost that position. So maybe the target for next year is to finish on the championship podium. That would be really great. It didn’t happen in 2025, and I want to make it happen in 2026.”

Petrucci enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign with Ducati before injury halted his momentum at a crucial stage of the season. Now, with BMW, he hopes to build strong consistency from the opening rounds.

The rider known as “Petrux” has already returned to the track earlier this month in Portimao, where he trained alongside Miguel Oliveira on 6 January aboard a production version of the BMW M1000 RR as part of his preseason preparations.

Next, Petrucci will join the rest of the WorldSBK grid for the first official preseason test at Jerez on 21–22 January, before returning to Portimao on 28–29 January for the final European preseason test.

After that, the WorldSBK paddock will head to Australia for the final test and the opening round of the season at Phillip Island.

With vast experience across MotoGP, Dakar and WorldSBK, Petrucci now carries major expectations for BMW’s factory project. If his adaptation goes smoothly, the German manufacturer could have a powerful new weapon in the fight at the top of world superbike racing.