Franco Morbidelli joins Aruba.it Ducati WorldSBK team in 2027
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 5, 2026
Morbidelli Ducati move
Ducati confirmed that Morbidelli will join its factory WorldSBK team in 2027, moving from MotoGP to the Aruba.it Racing-Ducati squad after the 2026 season. Morbidelli will replace Nicolo Bulega in Ducati’s WorldSBK seat. Ducati said Bulega is heading to MotoGP with VR46 Ducati in a direct swap with Morbidelli. Morbidelli will line up alongside Iker Lecuona in WorldSBK. The move will end Morbidelli’s 14-season run in the MotoGP paddock.
Morbidelli resume
Morbidelli arrives with a résumé built across Superstock 600, Moto2 and MotoGP. He won the European Superstock 600 title in 2013, then claimed the 2017 Moto2 crown and became the first Italian rider to win that class. His best MotoGP season came in 2020, when he won three races and finished runner-up in the championship with Petronas Yamaha. Across Moto2 and MotoGP, Morbidelli has started 228 races and collected 11 wins, 29 podiums and eight pole positions. Morbidelli’s career has also included setbacks. He suffered a serious knee injury in 2021. Morbidelli said he was “very happy and excited” about the move.
Ducati rationale
Stefano Cecconi said Morbidelli’s MotoGP experience and familiarity with Ducati should help the team adapt to the new tires in 2027. WorldSBK will switch to Michelin tires in 2027, and Ducati believes Morbidelli’s background will be especially useful as the series adjusts to that technical package. Gigi Dall’Igna also praised the move, saying Morbidelli will bring an “extremely valuable” wealth of experience. Dall’Igna pointed to Morbidelli’s speed, technical sensitivity and familiarity with Ducati’s working methods.
