Ducati’s commitment to the Superbike World Championship – with one small caveat!

With the new Panigale V4R, Ducati has produced a masterpiece. Not only do the two Aruba factory bikes ridden by Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona regularly storm ahead, but they are often followed by a string of customer riders. For riders on other makes, only crumbs remain. Since Most – that is, over the last four rounds – we have seen only Ducati riders in the top three. Of 72 podium finishes, just seven did not go to Ducati: four were claimed by BMW works rider Miguel Oliveira, two by Axel Bassani and one by Alex Lowes, both on a Bimota.

Ducati: Manufacturers’ Championship already clinched at Donington Park

It’s nothing short of staggering: with just eight of the twelve rounds of the 2026 Superbike World Championship completed, Ducati has already clinched the prestigious manufacturers’ championship – earlier than ever before!

Readers of SPEEDWEEK.com will know that on 31 July, new rules were adopted designed to ensure greater balance and a better spectacle. To this end, the balance rule – which until now has focused exclusively on limiting fuel flow – will be supplemented by a maximum rev limit from 2027. Furthermore, the maximum engine capacity will be increased to 1,200 cc from 2030 to attract new manufacturers.

Ducati has supported these decisions. “We believe in the Superbike World Championship and want to continue competing in and supporting this championship. As far as the technical regulations are concerned: sometimes they work in our favour, sometimes they penalise us. It’s always been that way, but fundamentally we like this series,” emphasised Ducati Technical Coordinator Marco Zambenedetti during a small press briefing. “It’s clear that we always want to make the most of our opportunities. However, we are not a manufacturer that withdraws simply because circumstances change – that wouldn’t be our style. We welcome other manufacturers.”

There is one small ‘but’: Ducati objects to being penalised simply because, as a manufacturer, it implements the regulations most effectively. “The sporting principles must remain: whoever has the best package – bike, rider and team – deserves the victories. If that were to change, we wouldn’t enjoy being here any more,” Zambenedetti warned.