That said, the rumors are finally over. As Motorsport.com Italia reports, Franco Morbidelli is packing his bags to leave the grand prix paddock and head straight into the World Superbike championship for next season. It is a stunning move that sees the Italian rider land one of the most coveted seats in the production-based series, stepping directly into the Aruba.it - Ducati Corse squad.
The math of this rider swap is fascinating. Morbidelli takes over the seat of Nicolò Bulega, who is making the exact reverse journey by moving over to become a rider for the current team that fields Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio. Speaking out for the first time without filters, Morbidelli admitted just how much faith the factory from Borgo Panigale has shown in him after a difficult 2026 campaign.
"I'm happy for the opportunity Ducati gave me. It's not easy, because after a year like the one that just passed it's not easy to choose me. But obviously Ducati has confidence in the work I can do and I'm really grateful for that," Morbidelli confessed. He made it clear he intends to repay that belief by bringing his unique qualities and vast background to the Superbike paddock.
The machine and the rider are ready for a new chapter, with Morbidelli hoping to channel his past speed and his extensive experience working with Michelin tires. Looking back on a career that included fighting for victory in Moto2 for half his time there and for two years in MotoGP, he acknowledged the tough times too. His stint with the official Yamaha team and his recent campaign brought severe struggles where he couldn't even fight for the top ten, despite managing a podium and some top-five finishes with Yamaha.
Even so, Morbidelli knows what he is capable of when the package works. He pointed out that outside of those difficult years, he has regularly fought for the top five and brings a very particular style to the battle. Now, as he prepares to adapt and evolve into a better athlete and rider with every single season, the stage is set for a massive transformation in his racing life.
