Danilo Petrucci at a crossroads for 2027: Back to Ducati? The USA? Retirement?

It was already clear back in July that, following this season, South African Brad Binder would take over from Danilo Petrucci in BMW’s factory Superbike team. In early September, Petrucci and BMW spoke publicly for the first time about their parting of ways in the World Championship, but assured everyone that they could envisage working together again in the future – in the USA.

In mid-September, ‘Petrux’ travelled to Texas and spent several days with the OrangeCat team; the dedicated squad even organised a track day on the Monday after the race, during which Danilo was able to complete around 30 laps on the standard version of the M1000RR. “They treated me like a king,” grinned the veteran rider.

At the time, there were strong indications that Petrucci would return to MotoAmerica. When his career as a MotoGP regular came to an end after the 2021 season, the Italian competed in the Dakar Rally the following January on a KTM – and even won a stage! In 2022, he competed in the US Superbike Championship for the Warhorse HSBK team on a factory Ducati, winning five races and finishing as runner-up behind Jake Gagne (Yamaha).

Meanwhile, another racing opportunity has arisen for the three-time Superbike World Championship race winner. The private Ducati team Go Eleven is looking to expand and field two bikes on the World Championship grid from 2027. Whilst Lorenzo Baldassarri’s contract has been extended, the second spot will go either to Italian champion Alessandro Delbianco or to Petrucci.

“At the end of the day, these are all just talks so far; they’ve asked me if I’m available,” Petrucci explained during a meeting with SPEEDWEEK.com in Estoril. “I haven’t signed anything for the US yet and am waiting for a response from BMW. That’s my number one option. At the same time, Go Eleven have approached me. At the moment, I have no choice but to wait and see. Sponsor Pata is coming on board, but wants a team with two bikes. The necessary structure has to be put in place first. As far as I’m concerned, the situation in the US and at Go Eleven is such that the decision will come down to me or a young rider.”

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Should both options fall through, Petrucci would be fine with that too. “I enjoy riding motorbikes and training,” emphasised the 35-year-old. “But there are other interesting things too. I’d like to get my pilot’s licence and my boat licence, and I now own three restaurants. I’ve got plenty to keep me busy, even if it’s not as exciting as my current job. I can’t force what’s going to happen – I’m at peace with myself.”