Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP fans fear Ducati would be wrong to overlook Jack Miller for their 2027 World Superbike line-up, after seeing one of the names in the hunt to replace Nicolo Bulega.
Ducati are currently believed to be exploring the market to sign a new rider for their factory World Superbike entry, as Bulega is widely thought to be on his way to MotoGP next season. It increasingly appears likely that a ride for VR46 awaits Bulega for the start of the 850cc era.
Recent reports have indicated that VR46 are finalising a contract with Ducati for Bulega, with the squad now willing to field two factory-backed riders next year. It is an open secret that Ducati will send Fermin Aldeguer to VR46 in the 2027 term, instead of having him at Gresini.
Bulega’s transition from dominating the World Superbike Championship to trying his hand in MotoGP will deprive Ducati of the best rider in the production bike series. The 26-year-old is in the midst of producing a perfect season, having won each of the first 21 races this season.
Does Jack Miller still have the talent to fight further up the grid?
MotoGP fans think Ducati would be wrong to sign Franco Morbidelli over Jack Miller for the 2027 World Superbike season
So, it was understood that Miller was likely to join Ducati’s World Superbike team in 2027, as the Australian is set to be out of contract at Pramac once his factory Yamaha deal lapses this November. But Ducati sporting director Mauro Grassilli has confirmed they have other ideas.
READ MORE: The best moments of Jack Miller’s MotoGP career
Speaking at World Superbike’s Misano round last weekend, Grassilli confirmed that Ducati’s “wish” is for an Italian rider to replace Bulega in World Superbikes. And his comments came amid Franco Morbidelli attending World Superbike’s Misano round with Ducati’s big bosses.
Naturally, reports emerged that Ducati are considering Morbidelli for a World Superbike ride in 2027, in what would essentially be a straight switch with Bulega. But a lot of MotoGP fans think Ducati would be wrong to overlook their chance to sign Miller in favour of Morbidelli.
One fan suggested on MotoGP News’ Facebook page that they would sign Miller for Ducati’s 2027 World Superbike team “because Franky is struggling to beat him this year, and he is on a Ducati.” Another fan even declared that signing Morbidelli over Miller “would be a crime.”
Other MotoGP fans also highlighted certain reasons why Ducati should sign Miller instead of Morbidelli for their 2027 World Superbike line-up. One suggested: “Miller is the better rider, and a far better personality!” Another claimed: “Jack’s a far better rider than Crashbidelli.”
How competitive Miller may be in World Superbikes compared to Morbidelli also stood out. One fan even said the Australian would be unbeatable, noting: “Jack most certainly was not a Grand Prix rider, but I cannot see anyone getting near him on a Superbike.”
How many podiums would Nicolo Bulega score as a rookie if he moves to MotoGP for 2027?
Bulega's pace at World Superbikes' Balaton Park round would have put him on the MotoGP Hungarian GP podium!
Miller has also previously enjoyed a relationship with the factory Ducati MotoGP team, after riding for the Bologna Bullets during the 2021 and 2022 seasons – over which he took three of his four career Grand Prix wins, at Jerez and Le Mans in 2021 and later at Motegi in 2022.
The fan noted: “I’d go with Jack Miller because he has a very good relationship with Ducati, not just as an ex-factory rider and Grand Prix winner, either. Plus, his experience with the Michelin tyres will give him a huge advantage in WorldSBK when the category switches to Michelin rubber next year.”
Next year will see Pirelli replace Michelin as MotoGP’s sole tyre provider, adding to its deals to supply Moto2 and Moto3. But changes are also coming in World Superbikes, as Michelin will replace Pirelli as the sole tyre provider in the production bike series on a five-year deal.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
