BMW rider Danilo Petrucci delivered his verdict on his new M1000RR ahead of the 2026 WorldSBK season.
The Italian previously spent three seasons with Barni Spark Racing aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R, before opting to replace Toprak Razgatlioglu at BMW for 2026.
Aside from a single season with KTM in MotoGP in 2021, Petrucci has ridden either prototype or production Ducati machinery since 2015, before opting to switch to BMW’s two-time championship-winning bike and become a WorldSBK factory rider for the first time.
Following tests in Jerez and Valencia, the latter arranged at short notice due to severe weather in Portimao, which forced the Bavarian marque to switch circuits, Petrucci noted clear differences between Ducati and BMW.
“From the outside, you might think the BMW is harsh or extreme to ride. But in reality, it’s a very forgiving bike,” Petrucci explained to Speedweek.
“I felt really, really comfortable. To be honest, I also fell in love with the production bike. It was truly a joy to ride.”
“[The Ducati] was quite extreme and very stiff. What I can say is that the biggest difference was in the stiffness of the motorcycle and how it transfers weight during braking and acceleration.
“You don’t really feel anything. And you’re basically riding as if you’re on ice all the time. It’s difficult to get feedback.”
“The BMW, on the other hand, feels very friendly, soft, smooth – also with the engine.
“The engine is, I think, the most interesting thing, because the power delivery is wonderful. From the outside, I was the first to say, ‘Oh my God, that sound, a real screech.’
“I really thought this bike might be very difficult when you open the throttle, but in reality it’s the exact opposite. I really like it.”
Although no official data has yet emerged from the Valencia outing, Petrucci led Day 1 of testing in Jerez with a 1:52.976, as mixed weather conditions restricted consistent lap times and runs across both days.
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