Franco Morbidelli Poised to Snatch Seat as Jack Miller’s Demands Stall Ideal Move
Franco Morbidelli appears set to eclipse Jack Miller in securing the prized Ducati seat in the 2027 World Superbike , as both riders prepare to exit . Ducati’s coveted ride, vacated by Nicolo Bulega’s anticipated departure, is now reportedly destined for Morbidelli, leaving Miller facing a challenging search for a factory team in WorldSBK.
Sources indicate VR46’s Morbidelli, soon to be out of contract, is primed to replace Bulega, who is expected to step up to with the VR46 squad. Meanwhile, Miller’s future at Pramac Yamaha also concludes this year, with Moto2 sensation Izan Guevara likely to take his place in . These moves remain unofficial but widely accepted within paddock circles.
Ducati’s WorldSBK program, having considered several candidates including Miller, Brad Binder, Maverick Viñales, and Alex Rins, has reportedly settled on Morbidelli. This decision maintains an Italian presence alongside Iker Lecuona, who recently secured a contract extension through 2028. According to SPEEDWEEK, “everything” suggests Morbidelli is the chosen successor to Bulega in the Borgo Panigale works team.
Jack Miller’s expensive wage demands-reported at €1 million per year-may have priced him out of contention. While Morbidelli’s negotiating position is weaker, reflecting his struggles at the back of the grid despite piloting the Ducati GP25, Miller’s salary expectations have cooled interest from both Ducati and Yamaha’s WorldSBK outfits. A previous report of Miller joining Yamaha’s World Superbike team in 2027 has since lost momentum amid these financial concerns.
Miller’s options are narrowing dramatically. and BMW are the only manufacturers potentially capable of meeting his salary demands, but neither offers an ideal fit. Honda’s current WorldSBK roster includes Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra, leaving no room for Miller unless a new satellite team is established. Under that scenario, Chantra would shift to the satellite squad, freeing a factory ride alongside Dixon for Miller. BMW has committed to signing Brad Binder alongside Miguel Oliveira, further limiting Miller’s prospects.
Crucially, Ducati remains the dominant force in World Superbike, with rivals like Bimota providing the closest challenge. Meanwhile, Oliveira leads BMW’s Superbike standings in 10th, Andrea Locatelli is Yamaha’s best placed at 11th, and Chantra heads Honda in 20th position-underscoring the competitive gap Miller would face outside Ducati.
As the 2027 World Superbike grid takes shape, Morbidelli’s signing looks imminent, while Miller’s search for a top-tier ride grows increasingly desperate. The Australian’s ambitions may hinge on Honda’s ability to expand its program or a surprise deal elsewhere, but for now, Ducati’s factory seat is slipping firmly into Morbidelli’s grasp.