Franco Morbidelli has effectively pointed to WorldSBK as the next stage of his career. After Race 2 at Cremona, while discussing Nicolo Bulega’s season, the Italian spoke enthusiastically about being in the paddock and about approaching the racing world in which he expects to compete next year.

The move for 2027 has not been officially announced. The scenario currently taking shape would see Morbidelli replace Bulega at the factory Ducati team after nine seasons in MotoGP. Bulega’s Cremona weekend also included the 2026 WorldSBK title, giving added significance to the possible change in Ducati’s line-up.

A possible pairing with Lecuona

If the deal is completed, Morbidelli would join Iker Lecuona at the factory Ducati team. Ducati has already announced an agreement with the Spaniard for 2027. At Cremona, Lecuona won three races to claim the first hat-trick of his WorldSBK career, and he secured his second career pole position on Saturday.

That form places Lecuona among the leading title favourites for 2027, although the assessment is based on his 2026 campaign. Morbidelli would bring a different racing profile to the potential line-up: he is the 2017 Moto2 world champion and a MotoGP race winner. His placement at the factory Ducati team remains unofficial, however, and the final 2027 pairing has yet to be confirmed.