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Raul Fernandez linked with Ducati move ahead of 2027 World Superbikes season

Originally posted on HITC | By David Comerford | Last updated Mar 13, 2026 6:43 PM ET

According to a report, Ducati are interested in bringing Trackhouse MotoGP rider Raul Fernandez over to their World Superbikes team. Fernandez has found his footing in Grand Prix racing after a slow start to his top-level career.

The 2021 Moto2 runner-up placed 22nd, 20th, and 16th across his first three premier-class campaigns, but last year he broke into the top 10 for the first time after five finishes inside the top six, including an impressive win in Australia.

Now in his fourth year, the Spaniard is aiming even higher. He started this season with two podiums at the opening round in Thailand. Even so, he isn’t currently being linked with any of the available factory seats.

Raul Fernandez and Enea Bastianini are ‘forbidden’ dreams for Ducati in WSBK

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A recent report from GPOne has given some insight into what Ducati might have planned for its 2027 World Superbike line-up. As expected, there are connections back to MotoGP.

Nicolo Bulega, the current title favourite, isn’t guaranteed to make the jump to the Grand Prix paddock. Much of that will depend on how he performs this year and whether a seat actually opens up.

Luigi Dall’Igna also recognises the value of ‘exploiting’ Bulega on two fronts, having made him a MotoGP test rider for 2026. But clearly, the 26-year-old wants to follow the path of Toprak Razgatlioglu, and his journey could be considered ‘complete’ if he wins the title.

Ducati WSBK bosses Stefano Cecconi and Serafino Foti have a ‘forbidden dream’ to sign Fernandez or Enea Bastianini. Unfortunately, neither is seen as a realistic candidate right now.

Trackhouse could sell a stake in its MotoGP team, raising some doubt about Fernandez’s future, but in that case, he may prefer to race for another satellite squad rather than change disciplines entirely.

Bastianini used to ride for Ducati’s factory team but is believed to be heading towards Yamaha’s MotoGP squad for 2027, according to recent rumours.

Franco Morbidelli is linked with a move to World Superbikes in a potential Nicolo Bulega swap

A report claims that Franco Morbidelli is a more realistic target for Ducati. Valentino Rossi is expected to look for two new riders in 2027, and Morbidelli doesn’t appear to have many other options on the MotoGP grid.

There’s talk of a possible seat swap between Bulega and Morbidelli at the end of the year. Bulega, who came up through the VR46 Academy, still has strong ties to Rossi.

Fermin Aldeguer is another name linked with VR46 under their new satellite deal with Ducati, while David Alonso could also join if talks with Luigi Dall’Igna go well.

Meanwhile, Fabio Di Giannantonio might be heading back to Gresini, who will need replacements if Alex Marquez completes his expected move to KTM.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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