Confirmed: Philipp Öttl and Feel Racing to continue in the 2027 Supersport World Championship

Philipp Öttl had two roles within the Ducati Feel Racing team. Firstly, the Bavarian was a race rider; secondly, he assisted as a development rider in the preparations for 2027. This is because a lot will change next year, when the power output of today’s Supersport bikes will be reduced from around 145 to 130 PS. Ducati will compete next year with the new Panigale V2, which has been available to buy since 2025. Triumph has a Street Triple RS with a new three-cylinder engine, now with a capacity of 800 instead of the current 765 ccm. ZX Moto and QJ Motor, in future with partner Ten Kate, are also bringing out new homologation models. And Honda has at least managed to bring itself round to giving the CBR600RR a facelift. Also new: Michelin is replacing Pirelli as the supplier of the standard tyres.

The fact that the 2026 season did not go as hoped – although the first joint victory was celebrated at Assen – was down to the balance system, which meant the Panigale 955 was rarely competitive. It had been agreed for weeks that they would continue working together – no other talks had taken place – but it was not until Tuesday afternoon that the 30-year-old’s contract extension with Feel Racing was officially confirmed.

“I am very much looking forward to continuing our journey with Philipp, particularly with a view to a season full of major innovations, as 2027 promises to be,” emphasised team principal Alberto Casolari. “The introduction of a new motorcycle model is always a challenge that is as complex as it is exciting, and we are convinced that Philipp is the right rider to master this task. His experience and feedback are crucial to further developing the overall package and making it competitive right from the start. We are highly motivated to kick off a season that will be extremely exciting and full of challenges.”

2027 will mark Öttl’s third Supersport season with Feel Racing, which competes in the World Superbike Championship behind the Aruba.it Ducati works team. “I’m really grateful to be able to work with the Feel Racing team for another season. This demonstrates mutual trust and belief in this project,” says the German. “The new Panigale V2 will be a major challenge, but I believe it has enormous potential. I can’t wait to get stuck into the test in Valencia.”