Danilo Petrucci’s switch to BMW for the 2026 WorldSBK Championship sees big goals envisaged for the Italian.

After three years with the Barni Spark Racing Team aboard a Ducati, Petrucci will switch from Italian to German machinery in 2026.

His move to the Bavarian brand sees him work in a factory setup for the first time since 2020, when he and Andrea Dovizioso represented the factory Ducati in MotoGP.

The agreement sees the 34-year-old sign only a one-year deal due to BMW’s existing contract structure, but the Italian is hopeful of improving on his current provisional best of third in this year’s championship.

“I’m proud and very happy to be a factory rider again,” Petrucci stated to Speedweek.

“BMW was both an easy choice, but also a difficult one. It was easy because you can’t say no to a factory team, especially not to a world championship-winning bike.

“This bike is extremely fast with Toprak [Razgatlioglu] – if I look at the overall standings, there’s one bike better than mine, and that’s the BMW.

“The safe choice for me would have been to stay with Barni. But I’ve always liked challenges. I have to take this step to move up.

“I want to try to be competitive with this bike and fight for the world championship title. This year I’m third, but way behind the top two.

“I want to see if I can be a title contender.”

Danilo Petrucci: BMW switch will be ‘one of the biggest challenges of my entire life’

Petrucci understands that the task ahead of him will be extremely challenging, considering WorldSBK championship leader Toprak Razgatlioglu is the standout performer on the BMW.

Although the two-time champion produced a surprise title win last season, he has arguably elevated his performance even further this year, thanks in part to BMW’s revised chassis.

In contrast, teammate Michael van der Mark is 15th in the standings and still searching for a podium finish in 2025, raising questions for Petrucci about the true competitiveness of the M1000RR.

“”My expectation is that I can improve my performance. It will be tough – one of the biggest challenges of my entire life,” Petrucci admitted.

“It reminds me of the end of 2019, when I joined Ducati’s MotoGP factory team as a replacement for Jorge Lorenzo.

“That was also very difficult. I want to improve on my performances from this year, but I also know that Toprak is doing an amazing job.

“He’s on another planet, as he showed again in Hungary. That makes me curious to ride this bike and see how fast I can be with it. Maybe it will be very difficult and tough for me, but I want to fight for the world title.”

READ MORE – Danilo Petrucci switches to BMW for 2026 WorldSBK season

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Danilo Petrucci will replace the departing Toprak Razgatlioglu at BMW for the 2026 WorldSBK season.

Petrucci joined the WorldSBK paddock in 2023, reuniting with the Barni Spark Racing Team where he began his career in the Superstock 1000 Cup. He finished seventh and fifth in the 2023 and 2024 campaigns.

In 2025, however, he currently sits third in the 2025 classification charts, behind title protagonists Razgatlioglu and Nicolo Bulega.

The switch over to the Bavarian brand means Petrucci will now move to factory machinery for the first time in WorldSBK.

Speedweek’s report stated that a verbal agreement had been reached between the two parties at the inaugural Balaton Park round.

Now that it’s been officially announced by both parties, Petrucci stated: “I’m really happy to join BMW Motorrad Motorsport for the next season in World Superbike 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 Superbike and that they enabled me to get into a factory team, which has been my target.”

As BMW has yet to reaffirm its commitment to the series beyond 2026, the Italian has signed only a one-year deal.

Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, added: “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.”

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Danilo Petrucci was left furious with Andrea Iannone for triggering a multi-rider crash at the start of Race 1 at Balaton Park’s first WorldSBK race.

Petrucci was one of the seven riders to go down, but had to start at the back on the race restart while suffering with pain in his shoulder.

Although the Italian delivered an impressive performance to finish fifth at the inaugural WorldSBK meeting at Balaton Park, he noted that Iker Lecuona and Remy Gardner sustained injuries in the crash. Iannone himself and Garrett Gerloff later withdrew after Saturday’s action.

Petrucci suggested that Iannone’s two long-lap penalty punishment wasn’t enough and stated that it was “unacceptable” that he was allowed to restart.

“In Turn 2, Iannone hit me in the middle,” he stated to GPOne.

“For me, it is unacceptable that they let him restart after he took out six, sending two to the hospital.

“I have some pain in my shoulder and I hope it will be resolved by tomorrow. It looks like he was playing a video game, but this is not a game.

“I’m really pissed off because I lost a lot of points, although my team did a great job to get me going again and they were amazing. I could have been on the podium, but that’s okay.”

The Barni Spark Racing rider stated that there was no communication between himself and Iannone after the accident.

“No, he better stay away from me! I don’t want to talk to him, also because I have nothing to say to him and I don’t even want his apology,” he declared.

“At the end of the day, we know him, since then he comes to reporters and says things like, ‘I closed the line.’

“The fact that they gave him a double long lap penalty says it all and I think there is nothing more to add. I still don’t understand a manoeuvre like that.”

Petrucci later finished tenth in the Superpole Race, before ending the weekend in fourth place to keep himself third in the championship.

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Danilo Petrucci has revealed that a possible 2026 switch to the WorldSBK factory Ducati team isn’t at the forefront of his mind.

The Barni Spark Racing rider is the leading independent rider after the first four rounds of the 2025 WorldSBK championship.

In 2025, he secured two rostrum finishes and is the only satellite rider with over 100 points. With current factory riders Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro Bautista yet to sign a contract extension, Petrucci could be an ideal candidate to take one of the factory seats.

However, when speaking to the media including Motorsport Week at Cremona, Petrucci made it clear what his main focus was for the rest of the season.

“I really, really find myself really good in the team, not only with the crew,” Petrucci stated.

“Marco [Barnabo] is a really a good friend. It’s a guy who really spend all this life to arrive here, to win. We have been able to win together. We are doing a really big job.

“For sure, it will be a dream, like I did in MotoGP, to jump on a factory seat. But at the moment, since it’s not a priority, because I know that my bike is really good, but, yeah, it’s not me that I’m doing the rider market.”

Despite acknowledging that he previously was the best of the rest behind the leading trio of Toprak Razgatlioglu, Bulega, and Bautista, Petrucci remains focused on achieving the primary goal he set at the start of the season.

“But for sure, looking at last year, looking at this year, after the top three, it’s me, so we are there. 

“So yeah, would be a dream to jump on a factory sheet, but at the moment, I’m really focusing to make strong strong races and the score points because we are so close from the third in the championship.”

Danilo Petrucci priortises WorldSBK success over financial gain

The Terni-born rider admitted that he already has one of the best packages on the grid, but stated that achieving results on the racetrack matters more to him than earning the big bucks with a particular team.

“So I always chose to be on the fastest bike I can have. So, yeah, it’s not a matter of money,” he said.

“It’s a matter that I want when you are a child, you want to win the World Championship.

“If you want to become rich, you go to work to make some other things, but what I’m doing here is trying to be as fast as possible.

“So for sure I know that my bike is one of the best of the grid. So I can’t complain.”

READ MORE – Danilo Petrucci calls for change to the WorldSBK Superpole qualifying format

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Danilo Petrucci vocalised a potential change to the WorldSBK Superpole qualifying format after he was impeded by Andrea Locatelli in Cremona.

The Italian gave a rundown of events in the 15-minute session that resulted in him starting from 13th on the grid for Race 1.

The Barni Spark Racing rider didn’t blame his fellow countryman for ruining his lap, but rather criticised the format that limits riders to only a couple of hot laps in case of accidents on track.

“It’s a shame that we have at the end four laps in qualifying, because we have two laps with a tyre and other two laps with a tyre and mainly I did one lap, because of the yellow flag,” Petrucci stated after Race 2 to media, including Motorsport Week.

“Then I had this problem with Locatelli, but it was not even his fault, because they just removed the yellow flag when you go through.

“And I went by, I got no yellow flag, but he was in front and he got yellow flag. So it was not even his fault.

“But yeah, for sure, it was in the middle of the track, but I was pushing and at the end my lap time was wasted by a rule.”

Danilo Petrucci suggests using MotoGP’s qualifying format

Although he couldn’t provide a concrete alternative, Petrucci did suggest using MotoGP’s two-stage format to restrict riders on the track and make practice more meaningful.

The top ten riders from MotoGP from the second practice session qualify straight to the second phase, in addition to the top two from the first stage.

“We talk a lot on Friday yesterday and we decided to talk to change the format because it’s a matter of, you know, you waste all the weekend, the work of everyone for a mistake of someone else,” he said.

“I don’t know [about a new format], but for sure it’s a matter of meritocracy because at the end we do FP1, FP2, FP3, and it counts [for] nothing. Also for the [fans] people looking, I think follow the MotoGP format to split the riders.

“I mean, we want to talk to the Safety Commission about this rule, because, yeah, maybe for the show, it’s good, because maybe one rider starts back and start to recover, but for the people working, for the factory, for everyone, it’s not a good point. 

“I mean, if you are unlucky, you can’t start, so back in the grid for a mistake of another rider, because you crash. Why you have to start back because the rider in front of me has crashed, and they can do the lap?

“For a safety reason, for sure, the marshal are working on the bike, and it’s a disaster. If you crash the bike hits the marshall, but maybe with less rider on track, we have less opportunities to find someone crashing.

“But, yeah, I could start better, but for sure, I think even if I start in the second row in all the races, I haven’t the pace for stay on the podium.”

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Danilo Petrucci has identified what he considers to be a “dream” finish in the 2025 WorldSBK championship.

The Italian rider returns to his home race in Cremona, where he claimed his maiden WorldSBK win and went on to become only the fourth rider in history to complete a weekend treble.

Petrucci is currently the lead independent rider in the series in fifth position, 26 points behind third-place rider Pata Maxus Yamaha rider Andrea Locatelli.

He admitted that this time last year, he had no goals in mind, but this year, he has big ambitions for where he would like to end the season.

“My 2025 season started well. We’re on a good path,” Petrucci stated to WorldSBK.

“Last year, was a crazy year with the accident and then I was able to improve. We didn’t have any expectations.

“This year, we want to stay in the top five. I have a dream to finish in the top three but it’s really difficult.

“I’d like to win some more races this year and become one of the best riders here in World Superbike.”

Danilo Petrucci: Competition standards in 2025 is ‘higher’ than in 2024

The Barni Spark Racing rider noted that the competition is significantly tougher this season compared to 2024.

The 34-year-old praised the rest of the field, stating that a dozen riders are in contention for a possible podium finish.

“The level of this year’s Championship is higher than last year,” Petrucci began.

“We have many more competitive bikes and competitive riders and there are, I think, 10 or 12 riders who can stand on the podium during the season.

“This is a good thing for the spectators because every race, you’ll never know who will be on the podium.

“For us, racing there, it’s not really nice sometimes! You sometimes find yourself P2, sometimes P8, sometimes P5, even when you feel that you’re fast.

“The other competitors are faster and faster. To watch, it’s nice, but when you’re in the fight and you always have some riders around you, it’s not easy.

“In the end, this is WorldSBK, it’s nice for the battles and stories.”

READ MORE – Jonathan Rea fit to race following Cremona WorldSBK FP1 check-up

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Barni Spark Racing rider Danilo Petrucci has set his sights on a podium finish at the upcoming Assen WorldSBK round, though he anticipates stiff competition.

The Italian rider returns to the Cathedral of Speed for the first time since his debut year in 2023, after missing the 2024 edition due to a life-threatening Motocross accident.

Petrucci’s 2025 campaign thus far has seen him accumulate consistent top-six finishes in Phillip Island and Portimao, including a podium appearance at the former.

His consistency places him third in the championship, behind Toprak Razgatlioglu and championship leader Nicolo Bulega.

Previewing the upcoming weekend to WorldSBK in Assen, Petrucci admitted: “I’m happy to be so in front in the standings, and yes I’d like to finish the championship in this place but it’ll be very tough.

“We are third in the championship with just one podium in the Superpole race. In Portimao, I lost at the end two podiums, one in Race 1 and one in the Superpole race.”

The Italian explained he feels comfortable aboard the Panigale V4 R, but he has yet to discover what Razgatlioglu and Bulega have found to give them their competitive edge over the field.

“It’s really difficult to be always so competitive. At the moment Toprak [Razgatlioglu] and Nicolo [Bulega] have got something more and are doing something more compared to the rest.

“But then the third position is always changing, it’s always a big fight between at least 5 or 6 riders.

“We have to simply look to improve our performance but it’s really difficult to improve the performance when you look into the details because it’s really difficult to understand the area where to improve.

“It’s difficult, we are so close but we want to be like the top two guys.”

Danilo Petrucci unsure of effect on fuel flow rule changes

It was announced earlier on Thursday that the fuel flow limits were adjusted for both BMW and Ducati ahead of the race weekend.

The Step 1 Fuel Flow reduction sees a decrease of 0.5kg/h, meaning Petrucci is amongst the current Ducati crop to be affected by this change.

“I don’t know [the effects] since this is the first step of this changing. Let’s see, for sure at the moment in the first two rounds BMW and the Ducati have the fastest bike,” Petrucci stated.

“I think this is a good point, we have to see because Superbike is really good, we have many different manufacturers that compete in the top five.

“I hope this rules doesn’t affect so much the classification, but yeah we’ll see. I feel good and I feel competitive, we hope to be fast and to have a fast bike during the weekend.”

READ MORE – Fuel flow limits adjusted for BMW and Ducati at Assen WorldSBK round

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Danilo Petrucci says he is anticipating close racing in Phillip Island WorldSBK but expects Nicolo Bulega to come out on top.

Petrucci finished third in testing ahead of the opening round in Australia this weekend.

The Italian raced in the Dakar Rally in January, and admitted the physical and mental toll had him worried ahead of the test.

However, the Barni Spark racer was delighted with his form over the two days.

“I’m happy with these two days because I was quite worried,” Petrucci said via GPOne.

“The last months have been tough. I started training before Dakar to come prepared for that race, like testing, but the rally raid was tougher than I thought on a physical and mental level.

“I was driving a vehicle that was new to me and it was very stressful, plus I was scared. Luckily at Jerez and Portimao we tested very little because I was really exhausted.

“Here however, I got here in a better condition and from the very first lap I was fast and very often in the lead. I must say I am very happy with the feeling.

Petrucci: Expect a “bar brawl” for Phillip Island WorldSBK podium

After a close test, Petrucci admits the battle for the podium will be closely fought, but that Ducati’s Bulega will be in a race of his own.

“I see a great battle for the podium, at least between five or six riders, although Bulega has shown from the beginning that he has an extra gear,” Petrucci said.

“For the podium, I expect a battle between myself, Iannone, Bautista, Razgatlioglu, the two Bimotas and Locatelli.”

“I think we will all be bunched up, so just getting stuck will not be enough to catch up with those in front.

“There will definitely be a big tussle. Personally I would have preferred a solo race like Bulega seems to be able to do.

“There will be bar brawl and I’m convinced that a great race will come out.”

Read more – Alex Lowes ‘optimistic’ for 2025 WorldSBK season after ‘positive’ Portimao test

The post Danilo Petrucci reveals favourite for Phillip Island WorldSBK glory appeared first on Motorsport Week.

Danilo Petrucci wrapped up the WorldSBK ‘Best Independent Rider’ title at Estoril thanks to two fifth-place finishes.

Petrucci’s rollercoaster of a 2024 season suggests the Italian never expected to be in this position after experiencing major injuries from a motocross accident earlier in the year.

His battles with injuries were life-threatening, with fractures to his right jaw and right collarbone, which led to him missing the Dutch round at Assen and needing multiple surgeries.

“I must say that the accident I had made me understand the value of life and what matters,” Petrucci told WorldSBK.com.

“From the accident I had during the training in April, from that moment on we had always good fights in the top five, and in August and September we were really good.

“Now I have no pressure, I still have a good fight with Alex Lowes for fourth place in the championship but for sure the weekend was something unexpected.”

The 33-year-old now holds a six-point advantage over Alex Lowes in their battle for fourth place in the championship. However, Petrucci admitted that being in this position and securing the Independent title had once seemed like a pipe dream.

“I’m really happy, exhausted,” Petrucci said. “Who would have predicted this many podiums and wins, fourth place in the championship, especially having missed one-and-a-half rounds?

“In fact, this has been our worst weekend, because I crashed yesterday, fifth this morning and this afternoon.

“We have faced a lot of difficulties with traction and so on, we are still to understand why, because in testing here it was a good test and we were quite confident.

“In the end we managed to enjoy and hope to have a good final round in Jerez.”

Danilo Petrucci makes WorldSBK history (again)

Earlier this season, Petrucci secured a hat trick of wins at his home race at the inaugural Cremona round.

His three wins that weekend meant he became only the fourth rider to win all three races on one weekend since the introduction of the three-race format.

The Italian rider joined Jonathan Rea, Alvaro Bautista, and Toprak Razgatlioglu but is the sole rider able to complete this feat with an independent racing team.

Petrucci’s success means he is the only rider to win races in MotoGP, WorldSBK, and MotoAmerica and has a stage win at the Dakar Rally to his name.

Barni Spark Racing and Petrucci’s affiliation continues into 2025, with both parties wanting to challenge the factory Ducati’s and BMW rider Toprak Razgatlioglu.

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Danilo Petrucci has said he “can’t beat a weekend” like his Cremona WorldSBK weekend after producing a hat trick of wins at his home race.

The Italian rider earned his first victory in the Superbike championship in a red-flagged Race 1, and was able to keep the momentum with sublime showings in the Superpole Race and Race 2 on the Sunday.

Petrucci’s wins at Cremona meant that he became the first rider ever to win races in WorldSBK, MotoGP, MotoAmerica, and a stage at the Dakar Rally, and the Italian rider said afterwards that this weekend would be hard to top. 

“It was one of the best weekends in my career!” said Petrucci to WorldSBK.com.

“After the first victory yesterday, I was full of emotion. I didn’t expect to win the Superpole Race and Race 2.

“I was a little bit worried. I had a lot of opponents, especially Alvaro [Bautista]; I knew he would be fast at the end of the race. 

“I was able to create a gap and he closed that gap a few tenths per lap. 

“It’s something really special. A new track, a new venue, a lot of people… I think everyone in Italy deserves this kind of day today!”

Petrucci becomes first independent rider to complete WorldSBK hat trick

Petrucci’s treble also means he becomes only the fourth rider to take a hat trick of wins in the three-race format’s history – after the championship’s main headliners Jonathan Rea, Alvaro Bautista and Toprak Razgatlioglu.

In doing so, the Barni Spark Ducati rider also became the first independent rider to achieve this feat. 

“They told me not long ago about this achievement.” Petrucci said.  

“It’s something that makes me proud. 

“Yesterday, I was the first rider to win a race in so many categories, off-road and on-road, and today the first Independent rider to have three wins. 

“We can improve our Championship position, but we can’t beat a weekend like that.”

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