Franco Morbidelli on securing most coveted WSBK ride: 'Clearly Ducati has some trust in me'

Former MotoGP rider Franco Morbidelli has expressed his gratitude to Ducati for giving him a second chance in the factory World Superbike team. The Italian, who faced a challenging period in the VR46 MotoGP Ducati squad and lost out on a 2027 MotoGP contract, has been retained by Ducati for the 2025 season. Morbidelli will swap places with World Superbike champion Nicolo Bulega, who will make his full-time MotoGP debut with VR46 in the upcoming season.

Speaking ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix, Morbidelli acknowledged that his recent performances had made him less appealing to potential teams, even with his history of success. However, he emphasized that Ducati's confidence in his abilities was evident, stating that he was thankful for the opportunity. The 31-year-old's bike will feature a special Garuda-themed livery for the Indonesian GP, highlighting his connection to Michelin, which will replace Pirelli as Ducati's supplier in World Superbikes.

Morbidelli praised Ducati's general manager Gigi Dall'Ignas words, agreeing with his assessment of his potential. He expressed determination to bring his experience with Michelin and his speed to the Superbike role, emphasizing his past successes in Moto2 and MotoGP. Another departing MotoGP rider, Maverick Vinales, seemed less content with the move to another series and hinted at not giving up on his involvement in the sport.