A major shift is underway in international motorcycle racing as Franco Morbidelli has been officially confirmed to secure the factory Ducati seat for the World Superbike (WorldSBK) championship starting in 2027. The Italian rider admitted that it was not easy for the Borgo Panigale manufacturer to choose him, especially after enduring a profoundly challenging MotoGP campaign with VR46.
The three-time MotoGP race winner's move to WorldSBK was confirmed earlier this week, stepping in to replace Nicolo Bulega who is heading to VR46. Morbidelli won the coveted factory Ducati seat over Moto2 frontrunner Manu Gonzalez, despite a difficult 2026 season that saw him score just two top-ten finishes.
Speaking to reporters including Crash.net ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix weekend, Morbidelli candidly addressed his turbulent season and expressed immense gratitude toward the factory management for placing their trust in his capabilities.
"Yeah, I'm happy about the chance I got from Ducati," Franco Morbidelli told reporters on Thursday.
"It's not easy, because after a year like this one, it's not easy to choose me. But clearly Ducati has some trust in the job that I can do, and I'm really grateful about that."
Addressing comments made by Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall'Igna—who stated that the 31-year-old would bring an extremely valuable wealth of experience—Morbidelli vowed to channel his technical background and speed to repay the faith shown in him.
"I read the words that Gigi said about me, and I completely agree with him. I'm really thankful about those words. That's what I will try to bring. I will try to bring my experience with the Michelins, my speed, which on many occasions I had," he added.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, the Italian acknowledged the contrasting periods he has faced from his competitive years in Moto2 and early MotoGP stints to tougher campaigns with Yamaha and his current struggles. Nevertheless, he is determined to adapt and rediscover his special way of fighting at the front.
"If I will get back to fighting for victories, I will bring back my way to fight for the victory, which I had for half of my Moto2 career and in MotoGP I had it for two years," concluded Franco Morbidelli.
Morbidelli's switch is part of a notable wave of premier-class riders heading to WorldSBK for 2027, alongside Brad Binder moving to BMW and Jack Miller joining Yamaha.
Baca Juga
Franco Morbidelli akui Ducati ambil risiko besar merekrutnya ke WorldSBK 2027 setelah jalani musim yang sulit di MotoGP bersama VR46.
Masa depan tim MGM Ducati di WorldSBK 2027 terancam masalah finansial dan berdampak pada karier Tarran Mackenzie. Simak laporan lengkapnya.
Somkiat Chantra resmi memperpanjang kontrak bersama Honda HRC di WorldSBK hingga 2027, berduet kembali dengan Jake Dixon untuk musim depan.
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