Ducati confirms one half of 2027 WorldSBK line-up as Iker Lecuona signs new deal

Iker Lecuona has been rewarded for his breakout season in WorldSBK with a new two-year deal at the factory Ducati team. 

With the future of star team-mate Nicolo Bulega still unanswered, securing Lecuona means Ducati will keep stability on one side of the garage at least, ahead of potentially losing Bulega to MotoGP.

Bulega has been heavily linked with a switch to Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team, which could allow one of the outgoing MotoGP riders to take over his Aruba.it Ducati seat alongside Lecuona.

Lecuona moved to WorldSBK in 2022 with the factory-backed HRC team, following a two-year spell in MotoGP with Tech3 KTM.

But with Honda lacking competitiveness, Lecuona struggled to show what he was truly capable of, something that has not been left up for debate in 2026.

A consistent challenger to Bulega, Lecuona had to wait a long time for his maiden WorldSBK win, which came last time out in Race 1 of the British round at Donington Park. Prior to his victory, Lecuona had been on a run of 18 second place finishes since Race 1 at Portimao, all of which came behind Bulega, who had won every race this year until Race 1 at Donington. Lecuona's victory also ended a streak of 25 consecutive wins for Bulega, which dates back to 2025.

Speaking about Lecuona’s renewal with Ducati, Luigi Dall'Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse, said: 

“The confirmation of Iker [Lecuona] for the next two seasons is an important sign for the entire Ducati project in WorldSBK. In just a few months, he has shown that he can interpret the Panigale V4R at its best, quickly turning his potential into concrete results and showing constant growth from both a technical and competitive point of view. 

“The current foundations are very solid and the room for development is interesting. Iker has brought speed, riding sensitivity and experience, all fundamental elements in an increasingly competitive championship. Now the goal is to continue working with method, trying to raise the level even further in every area. We are convinced that, with this ambition and continuity, he can also be a leading player in the most important challenges awaiting us in the near future.”

All eyes will now be on Bulega and whether the soon-to-be-crowned 2026 WorldSBK champion does indeed switch to MotoGP.

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