Five-time champion Josh Waters is switching teams for the 2027 ASBK summer season, partnering Olly Simpson at DesmoSport Ducati
The 2027 Australian Superbike Championship summer season has already seen a major rider move, with five-time champion Josh Waters leaving McMartin Racing Ducati to sign with rival outfit DesmoSport Ducati.
Waters will line up for DesmoSport Ducati on the all-new Panigale V4 R and will partner Olly Simpson, although Simpson is set to miss round one at Phillip Island from October 23-25 after recently undergoing surgery to repair a neck injury. He remains on target to begin his full-time Superbike campaign at The Bend from November 13-15.
The switch ends Waters’ successful stint with McMartin Racing, which began in late-2022. That partnership delivered two Superbike championships as well as two runner-up finishes.
“I’m really excited to be joining DesmoSport Ducati for the 2027 ASBK season,” said Waters. “There’s a lot to be excited about, especially the opportunity to ride the all-new Panigale V4 R. I’m looking forward to working with the team and sponsors and giving it my best shot throughout the season.”
At DesmoSport Ducati, Waters will work with crew chief Adrian Monti, along with Charlie Hallam, Ed Williams, Ben Henry and Chris York. He will return to his trademark No. 21 as he chases a record-extending sixth Superbike title, with former teammate and reigning champion Harrison Voight expected to be among his key challengers again.
DesmoSport Ducati owner Ben Henry said the team’s plans shifted rapidly in recent weeks as Simpson’s injury recovery created uncertainty around the opening part of the season.
“Apart from the crash at The Bend on the (Panigale) V2, Olly had a great year last season and proved to us that he could be a contender on the Superbike,” said Henry.
“We set our plans and have been actively building our new Panigale V4 R superbikes in preparation, and then he filled us in on his injury a few weeks ago and things have been a bit unknown since then. Olly has been recovering well, but you just don’t take chances on neck injuries, and we all agreed, although not ideal for our plans, that not rushing back to the superbike is the best thing for him.
“We started discreetly putting word out that we had a position available and spoke to a few riders and their families but nothing fell into place until an off-the-cuff chat with Josh (Waters) has escalated into us agreeing to terms and we are set to see a 21 back on a DesmoSport Ducati again.
“I can’t thank all our crew and partners enough for the support they give us, but in particular Australian Outdoor Living for coming back after a season off, and Mine Pro West for their help in enabling this deal to happen.”
While Waters won multiple races last season, he was mostly unable to match his younger teammate’s speed – especially at Phillip Island and Morgan Park where Voight really stamped his authority on the ASBK championship. Whether this switch can help Waters fight for a sixth Superbike title will be fascinating to watch.
