Danilo Petrucci has lofty ambitions as he embarks on his latest WorldSBK chapter with BMW for the 2026 season.
The Italian rider missed the final two WorldSBK races due to a training injury, finishing his Barni Spark chapter with a series-best-equalling fifth in the standings.
Now moving to BMW, winners of back-to-back Riders’ Championships with three-time WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, Petrucci believes he can compete for the title with the Bavarian marque.
“I’m really proud to race with BMW,” Petrucci told WorldSBK in Milan at the EICMA show.
“For sure, one of our targets is to win races. This year I haven’t been able to win a race. I’ve been on the podium quite a few times.
“For sure, we want to fight for the championship. It will be tough.
“I don’t know exactly what to expect, but, for sure, every year I want to improve my performance.
“This year I was fighting for third in the championship, I would like to be in the top-three in the next championship.”
Petrucci’s recovery from injury has delayed his first ride on the BMW until the Jerez test on 26-27 November, but he will use the testing period to acclimatise to the new bike after spending the past three seasons on a Ducati Panigale V4.
“It’s going good,” Petrucci said of his recovery.
“Let’s say, I’m doing good. The hand is still a little bit bigger after the surgery.
“But I’m really curious to start this new adventure in the next month. I think I will be in good shape for the end of November.”
The 35-year-old has signed a one-year deal with BMW as the brand’s long-term involvement beyond 2026 remains uncertain.
READ MORE – Danilo Petrucci ‘really disappointed’ to end Barni Spark tenure without third in WorldSBK championship
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