Franco Morbidelli is stepping into what is widely regarded as the most coveted machine in the World Superbike paddock, and as Motorsport.com reports, he knows just how lucky he is to get it. The departing MotoGP rider has admitted that his recent run of results made him far from an obvious choice for Ducati's factory squad. That dip in form with the VR46 MotoGP Ducati team ultimately left him without a premier-class contract for 2027, robbing him of the confidence that once carried him to three wins back in 2020.
Thankfully, the manufacturer decided to keep him in the family. The switch is a direct swap with reigning World Superbike champion Nicolo Bulega, who is stepping up to make his full-time MotoGP debut with VR46 next season. Speaking ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix—where his bike will sport a special Garuda-themed livery—the 31-year-old Italian was refreshingly honest about his struggles.
I read the words that Gigi said about me and I completely agree with him,
"I'm happy about the chance I got from Ducati," Morbidelli said. "It's not easy because after a year like this last one it's not easy to choose me. But clearly Ducati has some trust in the job that I can do and I'm really grateful about that."
Beyond his declining form, the Roman was also conscious that his reputation for track incidents did not make him an easy sell. Yet Ducati general manager Gigi Dall'Igna saw enough to make the call, and Morbidelli noted he completely agreed with the comments made by Dall'Igna at the time of the announcement. Timing also plays a fascinating role here, as World Superbikes switches to Michelin rubber next season in a neat parallel to Pirelli taking over the MotoGP supply. Morbidelli will bring valuable, direct familiarity with Michelin's products straight across.
"I read the words that Gigi said about me and I completely agree with him," he added. "I'm really thankful about those words and that's what I will try to bring. I'll try to bring my experience with the Michelin, and my speed, which on many occasions I had. If I get back to fight for the victory, I'll bring my way to fight for the victory. I had that for half of my Moto2 career and in MotoGP I had it for two years. I had the chance to fight for the victory for two years."
Not every departing premier-class star is quite so settled with their next chapter, however. Maverick Vinales, another race rider leaving the grid, struck a defiant tone in his own pre-Indonesian GP debrief by claiming he has not given up on MotoGP yet.
