# 2027 WorldSBK factory seat race

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2027-worldsbk-factory-seat-race
> Updated: 2026-08-14T11:30:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

The race for the single vacant 2027 factory Ducati World Superbike seat has intensified, with Franco Morbidelli and Moto2 leader Manu González emerging as the primary frontrunners. Aruba Ducati boss Serafino Foti has indicated Morbidelli may have an advantage due to his Italian nationality and familiarity with the Ducati Panigale V4. This vacancy follows the anticipated departure of Nicolo Bulega to the VR46 MotoGP squad.

As the market evolves, broader shifts in rider lineups are becoming apparent. Brad Binder has indicated ongoing negotiations regarding a potential move to BMW’s World Superbike program, though no deal has been finalized. 

Recent developments suggest Franco Morbidelli is increasingly likely to leave the VR46 MotoGP squad after the 2026 season to join the WorldSBK series. He is expected to move to the dominant Aruba.it Ducati machinery, potentially facilitating a swap with Bulega. 

Other veteran riders face uncertainty. Alex Rins has stated that his plans beyond 2026 remain undefined; while rumors link him to Ducati satellite teams in WSBK, Rins noted that discussions for 2027 have only recently begun and nothing is concrete. Meanwhile, the VR46 MotoGP roster is undergoing restructuring, with Fermin Aldeguer widely expected to secure a seat as the team finalizes its 2027 lineup.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: MotoGP riders Alex Rins and Franco Morbidelli face uncertain futures

MotoGP riders Alex Rins and Franco Morbidelli face uncertain futures, with reports suggesting potential moves to the World Superbike Championship as teams reorganize for upcoming seasons.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/motogp-riders-alex-rins-and-franco-morbidelli-face-uncertain-futures

### 2026-08-06: Brad Binder and Franco Morbidelli weigh WorldSBK moves

Brad Binder and Franco Morbidelli both stay non‑committal about potential moves to World Superbike teams for 2027, with Binder eyeing BMW and Morbidelli linked to Ducati.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brad-binder-and-franco-morbidelli-weigh-worldsbk-moves

### 2026-07-30: Ducati targets Morbidelli and González for WorldSBK lead seat

Ducati favors Franco Morbidelli and Moto2 leader Manu González for the open WorldSBK factory seat as Nicolo Bulega prepares to shift to MotoGP.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ducati-targets-morbidelli-and-gonzlez-for-worldsbk-lead-seat

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Cite as: 2027 WorldSBK factory seat race. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2027-worldsbk-factory-seat-race