Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) will switch manufacturers for the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. After three seasons with his Barni Ducati outfit, ‘Petrux’ will hop on the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team’s machines next season as he’s secured a factory seat in WorldSBK; something he has previously said he wanted. Petrucci’s teammate is yet to be confirmed at the German manufacturer’s outfit.

THROUGH THE RANKS: a formidable rider in STK600 and STK1000

Petrucci’s rise to being a winner in both WorldSBK and MotoGP started in his STK600 days, competing in 2009 for his first full season and finishing seventh before improving to fourth in 2010. That secured him a move to STK1000 where ‘Petrux’ really shone. Ninth in his maiden season with Team Pedercini on the Kawasaki ZX 10R, the Italian moved to Barni Ducati for 2011 – where their relationship would blossom. Four wins and seven podiums in that season meant Petrucci finished runner-up to Davido Giugliano by just two points, and his performances meant a move to MotoGP beckoned.

TWO-TIME GRAND PRIX WINNER: ‘Petrux’ victorious in Ducati red

Petrucci’s first foray into Grand Prix racing came with Ioda for three seasons, where he scored 70 points for them. Strong performances secured him a move to Pramac Racing on the Ducati Desmosedici GP14 for the 2015 season, claiming his first rostrum at Silverstone in the same season. Four more podiums followed in 2017 and a singular one in 2018, before the Italian moved to the factory Ducati team. He took his first MotoGP victory at Mugello in 2019, before a second followed at Le Mans in 2020. He moved to KTM for 2021 but couldn’t return to the rostrum and lost his seat at the end of the year.

RETURN TO PRODUCTION MACHINERY: a season in MotoAmerica before WorldSBK switch

In 2022, ‘Petrux’ moved stateside to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 R in MotoAmerica, finishing second in the standings. That caught the eye of Marco Barnabo, who signed Petrucci for the second time – on this occasion, it was for WorldSBK. Three podiums in his maiden season was a solid rookie effort before 10 came in 2024 – including three wins, on home soil at Cremona. So far this season, the #9 has six podiums in 18 races and sits third in the Championship standings.

A NEW CHALLENGE: leading BMW’s charge in 2026

While Petrucci has shown strong form on Ducati machinery, next season marks a new challenge for the 34-year-old. He will move down the pitlane to link up with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for next season, aiming to replicate some of the success Toprak Razgatlioglu has enjoyed on the M1000RR. He is currently the only rider to be confirmed for the German manufacturer, with Michael van der Mark out of contract at the end of this season.

PETRUCCI SAYS: “I’m really proud that I will ride the bike that currently bears the number one”

Explaining his thoughts on moving to a factory team, ‘Petrux’ stated: “I’m really happy to join BMW Motorrad Motorsport for the next season in World Superbike and proud that I will ride the bike that currently bears the number one. It was my target to ride a factory bike because I really want to fight for the World Championship title. So, I think that this is the step that I needed to get in the position to achieve that goal. I can’t wait to join the team, and I want to thank everyone at BMW and all those people at home who support me. I also want to thank the Barni Spark Racing Team for these three years in World Superbike and that they enabled me to get into a factory team, which has been my target.”

FROM BMW: “Danilo has more than earned his place as a factory rider, and we are convinced that his passion and skill will help lead our team into the future”

Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Danilo Petrucci to our BMW Motorrad Motorsport family in 2026. We are confident that we can continue our success story in WorldSBK with Danilo. His move to BMW Motorrad Motorsport is more than just a new contract – it is a recognition of his hard work throughout his career. Danilo has more than earned his place as a factory rider, and we are convinced that his passion and skill will help lead our team into the future. His impressive career across various motorsport disciplines is a testament to his talent and ability to perform under the most demanding conditions. Danilo has not only excelled on the track but has also won the hearts of fans with his unique character and authenticity. He’s a true fighter who never gives up, and his positive attitude inspires not only his team but everyone who follows him. We look forward to the challenges and successes ahead, and we are proud to soon have Petrux as a member of our BMW Motorrad Motorsport family.”

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