The question of who will attempt to step into the dual WorldSBK champion’s boots in 2026 has finally been answered
BMW Motorrad Motorsport has announced that Italian rider Danilo Petrucci will be joining their line-up for the 2026 World Superbike Championship. Petrucci, a seasoned racer with a diverse background, faces the formidable task of be stepping into Toprak Razgatlioglu’s shoes, who is making a move to MotoGP.
Petrucci, known to fans as “Petrux,” brings with him a wealth of experience from his MotoGP days and impressive performances in both MotoAmerica and the Dakar Rally. His recent run in WorldSBK with the Barni Spark Racing Team has been marked by consistent podium finishes, making him a formidable addition to the BMW team.
Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, expressed his excitement about Petrucci’s arrival:
“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.”
Petrucci himself is looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities:
“I’m really happy to join BMW Motorrad Motorsport for the next season in World Superbikes 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 Superbikes and that they enabled me to get into a factory team, which has been my target.”
Petrucci has had an incredibly diverse career, spanning both tarmac and off-road formats. Starting from humble beginnings in Terni, the Italian has showcased his talent across multiple championships, including MotoGP, where he rode for Came IodaRacing Project, Pramac Racing, and the official Ducati Team, securing multiple podium finishes and a notable victory at Mugello.
Beyond MotoGP, Petrucci extended his prowess to the Dakar Rally, where he achieved a stage victory against formidable odds. He also competed in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship, where he claimed some impressive wins, finishing as the runner-up in the 2022 season. Returning to Europe, he joined the Superbike World Championship with the Barni Spark Ducati Racing privateer team, finishing in 5th place overall in 2024. He currently sits in 3rd place in the championship standings on 233 points – above factory Ducati start Alvaro Bautista.
