Franco Morbidelli in the 2027 Superbike World Championship: Ducati manager confident of success

Just as Pirelli expert Nicolò Bulega is set to start his first MotoGP season with an advantage, Ducati is hoping for the same effect in the Superbike World Championship with Franco Morbidelli and his experience with Michelin. In the world championship-winning team, the seasoned rider is likely to be among the frontrunners in 2027.

In fact, it’s not as though the 31-year-old is an unknown quantity in the production-based world championship. Before the Italian made his mark in the GP paddock, he won the 2013 Superstock 600 European Championship. That may have been a long time ago, but Morbidelli will find much that is familiar – such as the open paddock and the relaxed atmosphere amongst the riders. Furthermore, the MotoGP riders enjoy training regularly on the road-going version of the V4R, fitted, of course, with French tyres.

For Aruba boss Stefano Cecconi, there were therefore strong reasons to sign Rome-born Morbidelli as the successor to Superbike World Champion Nicolò Bulega.

“The 2027 season will bring numerous changes and pose a major challenge for both the rider and the team. However, it is in our DNA to set ambitious goals,” emphasised the team owner. “Franco brings with him extremely valuable experience, gained over many years in MotoGP with top teams: an important factor also in view of the introduction of the new tyres, which he knows inside out and on which he can provide us with valuable feedback. Furthermore, although he is switching classes, he will remain on a Ducati, which ensures continuity in his working methods and technical approach.”

Ducati Corse CEO Gigi Dall’Igna is familiar with both paddocks. He once led Aprilia to success in the Superbike World Championship, before bringing Ducati back to the top in the prototype series. The man with the goatee is convinced that Morbidelli’s MotoGP experience will enable rapid progress in the Superbike project.

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“Franco is a very talented rider who, throughout his career, has demonstrated speed, technical acumen and adaptability at the very highest level. After many years in MotoGP, he will bring an extremely valuable wealth of experience to our Superbike project,” said the Italian. “We are convinced that his move is also supported by his in-depth knowledge of the Ducati environment and our working methods – an aspect we consider particularly important in view of the new technical challenges that await us in 2027. Together with Aruba.it Racing, we have built a successful project over the years, and we believe that Franco has all the qualities needed to help ensure it remains at the top.”