The Italian fan favourite will replace reigning champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, bringing his wealth of MotoGP, Dakar, and WorldSBK experience to BMW’s factory effort.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!
The BMW Motorrad Motorsport roster in the FIM Superbike World Championship will gain a high-profile addition in 2026 as Danilo “Petrux” Petrucci signs with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. The 34-year-old Italian will succeed reigning World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, who is set to move to MotoGP with Prima Pramac Yamaha next season.
Petrucci brings with him over a decade of top-level experience, having raced full-time in MotoGP from 2012 to 2021, scoring multiple victories and podiums, before embarking on stints in MotoAmerica, the Dakar Rally – where he famously won a stage in 2022 – and WorldSBK.
Since joining the production-based championship in 2023 with the Barni Spark Racing Team, Petrucci has notched 20 podiums and three wins from 93 starts, and currently sits third in the 2025 standings behind Razgatlioglu and Nicolò Bulega, while leading the Independent Riders’ category.
The Italian’s career has been as diverse as it is successful, progressing from FIM Superstock 1000 to the early Claiming Rule Teams era in MotoGP, then competing in the U.S. Superbike scene before returning to Europe to fight at the sharp end of WorldSBK. In 2026, he will ride the latest BMW M 1000 RR, aiming to deliver results at factory level.
Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, praised the signing: “We are very pleased to welcome Danilo Petrucci to our BMW Motorrad Motorsport family in 2026. His move 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. He’s a true fighter who never gives up, and his positive attitude inspires not only his team but also everyone who follows him.”
Petrucci is equally motivated for the challenge ahead: “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. I can’t wait to join the team and I want to thank everyone at BMW and all those who have supported me, as well as the Barni Spark Racing Team for these three years in World Superbikes.”
With his proven ability to adapt across disciplines and deliver under pressure, Petrucci’s move to BMW sets up one of the most intriguing storylines for the 2026 WorldSBK season.
Facebook
Instagram
X (Twitter)
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS