DANILO PETRUCCI SIGNS WITH BMW WORLDSBK TEAM

Almost two months after Toprak Razgatlioglu revealed he’d be leaving BMW’s World Superbike (WorldSBK) team to race for Yamaha in MotoGP, his replacement for 2026 was finally announced in early August – Danilo Petrucci.

The 34-year-old Italian, who joined WorldSBK in 2023 after a decade in MotoGP, will get his long-awaited dream of a factory bike with ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK after three years on a satellite Ducati with the Barni Spark Racing Team.

Danilo Petrucci signs with BMW WorldSBK team

A three-time race winner in WorldSBK, and third in the championship at time of writing, Petrucci will bring experience to the BMW factory team, but whether he can replicate Razgatlioglu’s extraordinary feats on the M 1000 RR, that included the 2024 championship, is another matter.

“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,” Petrucci said. “It was my target to ride a factory bike because I really want to fight for the World Championship title. This is the step 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.”

Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, welcomed Petrucci and expressed his confidence in the Italian veteran being able to continue BMW’s success in WorldSBK.

“Petrucci's move to BMW Motorrad Motorsport is more than just a new contract – it is a recognition of his hard work throughout his career,” Blusch explained. “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.”

While Petrucci is on board with BMW, his team mate is yet to be confirmed. Michael van der Mark, who has been with the factory BMW WorldSBK team since 2021, will leave at the end of this season.