Ducati to Sign Franco Morbidelli for 2027 Season
The veteran rider will join the Ducati team for the 2027 World Superbike season as the sport undergoes major regulatory changes.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Motorsports
Live Poll
Should professional sports teams prioritize hiring experienced veteran athletes over younger, less proven talent?
Ducati has recruited Franco Morbidelli to replace Nicolo Bulega for the 2027 World Superbike season. Morbidelli, a former Superstock and Moto2 champion, will compete for the team as they look to maintain their dominance following an undefeated 2026 campaign.
Why it matters
The team chose Morbidelli for his extensive racing experience and his specific ability to assist with the team's transition to new technical rules and fuel blends. These updates are intended to help Ducati adapt to the major regulatory shifts taking effect across the series in 2027.
Ducati achieved a perfect win record across the entire 2026 World Superbike Championship season. The team is now integrating a rider who previously secured both a Superstock championship in 2013 and a Moto2 title.
The players
Franco Morbidelli
He is a professional motorcycle racer who previously won the 2013 Superstock championship and a Moto2 world title.
Ducati
This Italian motorcycle manufacturer is a dominant force in professional motorcycle racing and currently holds an undefeated record in the World Superbike Championship.
Nicolo Bulega
He is a professional motorcycle racer who spent four years competing with the Ducati team.
The details
Ducati selected Morbidelli based on his proven track record and his potential to help the team navigate the upcoming adoption of Pirelli tires and new competition regulations. The team is currently assessing how to maintain its performance edge while transitioning away from the structure it utilized during Nicolo Bulega's four-year tenure.
Timeline
Morbidelli won the Superstock championship in 2013.
Ducati won every race in the World Superbike Championship in 2026.
New World Superbike regulations will take effect in 2027.
Franco Morbidelli will begin racing for Ducati in the 2027 season.
Season Trajectory
The transition to new technical rules in 2027 forces teams to re-evaluate their rider lineups to ensure they can manage evolving machine performance. This signing positions Ducati to maintain its lead over the field by prioritizing veteran experience in a season defined by major regulatory shifts.
The departure of Nicolo Bulega after four years signals a significant change in Ducati's roster strategy heading into a regulation-heavy season. Fantasy participants and league observers should note that Morbidelli will be tasked with immediate adaptation to the new fuel blend requirements.
The takeaway
Teams frequently refresh their rider lineups to prepare for significant regulatory resets in professional racing. Fans should watch how veteran adaptability influences performance as the sport shifts toward new technical standards in 2027.
Further reading
Get more insights into the upcoming grid changes in the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GPone.
Live Poll
Should professional sports teams prioritize hiring experienced veteran athletes over younger, less proven talent?
