Big news for WorldSBK fans—BMW Motorrad Motorsport has just announced that Italian racer Danilo Petrucci will be joining their factory lineup for the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship. “Petrux,” as fans love to call him, will be suiting up for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team on the BMW M 1000 RR. He’ll be filling some big shoes too, stepping in as World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu moves on to MotoGP next season.
Petrucci isn’t just any rider—he’s a seasoned pro with a résumé that includes nearly a decade racing MotoGP full-time (from 2012 to 2021), a run in MotoAmerica, and even a stage win at the notoriously tough Dakar Rally. He made the switch to WorldSBK in 2023, and since then, has racked up 93 races with Barni Spark Racing, hitting the podium 20 times and snagging three wins. This season alone, he’s already landed seven podiums and currently sits third in the championship standings, trailing only Razgatlioglu and fellow Italian Nicolò Bulega. As for the Independent Riders’ standings? Petrux is way out in front.
BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s boss, Sven Blusch, couldn’t be more enthusiastic about bringing Petrucci on board. He described Petrux as a fighter who’s earned his place in the factory team through sheer perseverance and natural talent. Blusch highlighted Petrucci’s authentic character and his ability to inspire both his team and motorsport fans across the globe, saying BMW is confident he’ll keep their winning momentum rolling in WorldSBK.
Petrucci himself is psyched about the move, calling it a dream come true to be racing a factory bike—especially one with the number one plate. Fighting for the World Championship title has always been his goal, and now he feels he’s got the right opportunity to chase it down. He thanked BMW and his supporters at home, along with the Barni Spark Racing Team for getting him to the factory setup.
All in all, it’s a massive step forward for both BMW and Petrux, and fans everywhere will be watching closely when he lines up on the grid in 2026.
