Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati would love to sign Trackhouse MotoGP rider Raul Fernandez for their World Superbikes team, according to a report. Fernandez is flourishing in Grand Prix racing after struggling to make an impression at first.
The 2021 Moto2 runner-up, Fernandez finished 22nd, 20th and 16th in his first three premier-class seasons. But last year he cracked the top 10 for the first time after taking his maiden win in Australia, one of five top-six finishes.
This year, the 25-year-old can even aim higher. He scored podiums in both races at the season opener in Thailand, underlining the strength of Aprilia’s bike, and yet he isn’t thought to be a contender for any of the vacant factory seats.
Raul Fernandez and Enea Bastianini are ‘forbidden’ dreams for Ducati in WSBK
A report from GPOne reveals Ducati’s plans for their 2027 World Superbikes line-up. Unsurprisingly, they are linked to MotoGP.
It’s not a foregone conclusion that title favourite Nicolo Bulega will move to the Grand Prix paddock. It depends on his performance this year and the availability of a seat.
Luigi Dall’Igna also recognises the value of ‘exploiting’ Bulega on two fronts, having made him a MotoGP test rider for 2026. But clearly, the 26-year-old wants to follow the path of Toprak Razgatlioglu and his journey could be considered ‘complete’ if he wins the title.
Do you agree with Toprak Razgatlioglu that Nicolo Bulega deserves a MotoGP ride?
Ducati WSBK bosses Stefano Cecconi and Serafino Foti have a ‘forbidden dream’ to sign Fernandez or Enea Bastianini. Unfortunately, neither are seen as realistic candidates right now.
Trackhouse could sell a stake a team in their MotoGP team, raising some doubt about Fernandez’s future, but in that case, he may prefer to race for another satellite squad rather than change disciplines entirely.
And while he used to represent Ducati’s factory team, Bastianini is heading to Yamaha’s MotoGP squad for 2027, based on the last rumours.
Franco Morbidelli and Nicolo Bulega seat swap is on the cards
The report states that Franco Morbidelli is a ‘more concrete’ target. Valentino Rossi wants two new riders for 2027 and Morbidelli is unlikely to find a seat elsewhere on the MotoGP grid as it stands.
There’s a possibility that Bulega will swap seats with Morbidelli at the end of the year. The former used to be part of the VR46 Academy setup and maintains a good relationship with Rossi.
Fermin Aldeguer could also move to VR46 under their new satellite contract with Ducati, giving Rossi the revamped line-up he desires. David Alonso is also an option if negotiations with Dall’Igna are successful.
Fabio Di Giannantonio could return to Gresini, who may need two new riders themselves with Alex Marquez bound for KTM.
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