Franco Morbidelli will continue his career with Ducati in the World Superbike championship after the Italian manufacturer confirmed him for their factory team in 2027. The move comes after Morbidelli failed to secure a MotoGP contract for next season following a difficult year in the VR46 Ducati squad.
The 31-year-old former MotoGP race winner expressed gratitude to Ducati for their confidence despite his recent decline in performance. Speaking ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix, Morbidelli acknowledged that his form has not made him an obvious choice for the factory team. "It's not easy because after a year like this last one it's not easy to choose me," he said. "But clearly Ducati has some trust in the job that I can do and I'm really grateful about that."
Morbidelli’s transition to World Superbike is part of a direct swap with Nicolo Bulega, the reigning World Superbike champion, who will move up to MotoGP with VR46 next year. Ducati’s general manager Gigi Dall’Igna made the announcement, highlighting the significance of the switch amid changes in tyre suppliers for both championships. From 2027, World Superbikes will switch to Michelin tyres, which Morbidelli knows well from his MotoGP experience, while MotoGP will adopt Pirelli as its supplier.
Morbidelli said he agreed with Dall’Igna’s comments about his potential contribution to the Superbike team. "I'm really thankful about those words and that's what I will try to bring," he added. "I'll try to bring my experience with the Michelin, and my speed, which on many occasions I had. If I get back to fight for the victory, I'll bring my way to fight for the victory. I had that for half of my Moto2 career and in MotoGP I had it for two years. I had the chance to fight for the victory for two years."
The Italian’s MotoGP tenure with VR46 and Ducati has been challenging, with 2026 marking a downturn after earlier successes, including three race wins in 2020. His struggles have included incidents on track and a loss of confidence that ultimately contributed to his departure from the premier class.
Meanwhile, another rider leaving MotoGP, Maverick Vinales, has taken a different stance on his future, stating ahead of the Indonesian GP that he has not given up on the possibility of continuing in MotoGP or returning to top-level racing.
Morbidelli’s bike at this weekend’s Indonesian Grand Prix will feature a special Garuda-themed livery, reflecting the significance of the event and perhaps symbolising his fresh start in World Superbikes.
Ducati’s decision to retain Morbidelli within their factory setup points to a belief in his ability to adapt and contribute at a high level in the Superbike series. The 2027 season will be his first full campaign outside MotoGP since his arrival in the premier class, with expectations that his knowledge of Michelin tyres and past race-winning pace can aid the team’s performance.
According to Yahoo Sports.