Aruba.it Racing – Ducati has officially confirmed it has signed current MotoGP rider Franco Morbidelli for the 2027 WorldSBK season.
Morbidelli will replace outgoing WorldSBK champion Nicolo Bulega in a direct swap with the current factory Ducati racer, who heads to VR46 Ducati.
The 31-year-old Italian has been a mainstay in the MotoGP paddock for 14 years, progressing through the ladder and winning the 2017 Moto2 championship before joining the premier class in 2018.
Morbidelli’s career highlight came as he finished runner-up on the Petronas Yamaha in 2020 and became a factory rider with the Japanese manufacturer before suffering a serious knee injury in 2021.
Although he came back from the troubles, he has since gained a reputation as a borderline dangerous rider and will switch to WorldSBK after an eight-year MotoGP stay.
“I am very happy and excited about this new chapter in my career,” Morbidelli said in a press release. “I thank Ducati and Aruba for this opportunity. As always, I will do my best to live up to a team that has fought at the top for years and has just won the Superbike World Championship. I will do the best job possible to achieve great results together.”
Stefano Cecconi, Team Principal of Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, added: “We welcome Franco with great enthusiasm, certain that he will be able to give us much satisfaction.
“The 2027 season will bring several new developments and will be an important challenge for both the rider and the team, but setting ambitious goals is part of our DNA.
“Franco brings with him highly valuable experience, gained over many years in MotoGP with top teams: an important factor also in view of the arrival of the new tyres, which he knows very well and on which he will be able to provide us with precious feedback.
“Furthermore, although he is changing category, he will remain on a Ducati, which will guarantee continuity in his working method and technical approach. We can’t wait to begin this new adventure and to share work and ambitions with Franco.”
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