Morbidelli Takes Ducati World Superbike Seat as Bulega Heads to VR46 MotoGP

Franco Morbidelli has secured a factory ride in the Franco Morbidelli Ducati World Superbike programme for 2027, a lifeline that keeps the 31-year-old Italian in Ducati’s racing fold after his MotoGP contract expired. The move is a straight swap with Nicolo Bulega, the reigning World Superbike champion, who will step up to MotoGP with the VR46 team next season.

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Why Morbidelli got the call

Morbidelli’s recent form with VR46 had dipped, and he admitted that Ducati’s decision was not straightforward. “It was not easy for Ducati to choose me after last year,” he said, expressing happiness and gratitude for the opportunity. He also referenced comments from Ducati’s racing chief, Gigi Dall’Igna, saying he had read them and agreed, and that he was thankful for those words. The trust placed in him, Morbidelli said, is something he does not take lightly.

Once a three-time MotoGP race winner in 2020, Morbidelli has struggled to recapture that speed, and his reputation for on-track incidents has lingered. Yet Ducati opted to retain him rather than let him leave the fold entirely.

Bulega's promotion and the tire factor

The swap also elevates Bulega, who will make his full-time MotoGP debut with VR46 next season. His arrival at VR46 coincides with a major tire supplier change: Pirelli takes over as MotoGP’s sole tire supplier, while World Superbikes switch to Michelin rubber. Morbidelli’s familiarity with Michelin products could prove useful as he adapts to the Superbike role.

“I will try to bring my Michelin experience, my speed, and if I return to that level, my way to fight for victory,” Morbidelli said. He cited his Moto2 career, where he fought for victories for half of his time in the class, and his MotoGP years, where he had victory-fighting ability for two years.

Indonesian GP detail and Vinales uncertainty

Ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix, Morbidelli’s bike will carry a special Garuda-themed livery, a nod to the host nation. The weekend also saw Maverick Vinales, another departing MotoGP race rider, speak about his future. Vinales claimed he has not given up yet and said he thinks every night about what comes next.

For Morbidelli, the World Superbike ride offers a fresh start and a chance to rebuild. The exact duration of his contract and specific performance targets remain unclear, but his stated goal is clear: to bring his speed and, if possible, his victory-fighting ability back to the fore.