As we look ahead to 2026, excitement is palpable for the Ducati factory team, which is officially introducing Iker Lecuona in stunning Ducati red for his inaugural season with the brand!
Returning to the fray is Nicolo Bulega, who is eager to challenge for the championship title in his third year with the squad. With Lecuona firing on all cylinders and fully prepared to embark on this thrilling journey, the team is ready to make their mark.
The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, the reigning champions from last year, is laser-focused on their goals as they unveil their new lineup, bike, and vibrant livery for the upcoming MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in 2026. This team launch event provides a first glimpse of their riders donned in this season's leathers, and there’s a sense of optimism that they will frequently be celebrating their victories with bottles of prosecco as they vie once again for the Manufacturers’, Teams’ and Riders’ Championships.
CHAMPIONSHIP ASPIRATIONS: "Last year, we were in the title race until the very last race. We need to pull together all our resources to secure the championship."
To achieve this, Nicolo Bulega steps back into the spotlight as their key competitor. Having showcased immense potential since his debut in WorldSBK, he is viewed as a favorite for the title this season—especially with Toprak Razgatlioglu now competing in MotoGP. Nevertheless, Bulega will face stiff competition from his former teammate Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team), Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team), Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team), and the new BMW duo of Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira, all of whom are also keen to seize the championship.
Reflecting on the upcoming season, Bulega expressed his enthusiasm: "I’m really excited to kick off the season: we’re finally back in action! The off-season felt quite long. Unfortunately, testing was hindered by unfavorable weather, but I can’t wait to get to Australia and quickly find my rhythm with the team. I have no doubts it won’t take long. I’m highly motivated and confident that this season will be remarkable. Last year, we fought for the title until the end; we must combine all our strengths to achieve victory this time around."
A HIGH BAR WITH HIS NEW TEAM: "Our objective is straightforward: to position ourselves as contenders for the title and aim for triumph."
Joining the ranks of Ducati is Iker Lecuona, who comes aboard after four commendable years with Honda HRC, where he secured two of the team's three podium finishes during that time. His tenacity and fearless riding style have earned him a spot on the coveted factory Ducati team. Although adverse weather conditions have slightly slowed his adaptation process during testing, once he finds his footing, Lecuona’s remarkable skills could make him a formidable competitor in this season's championship.
As the countdown to the season begins, Lecuona shared his thoughts: "I am thrilled to join this team: undoubtedly the best team with the best bike. This opportunity marks the pinnacle of my career thus far, and I owe gratitude to my family, wife, friends, manager, and of course, Aruba Racing and Ducati for their trust in me. Let’s see what we can achieve throughout the season as we aim to improve every day. Our goal is clear: to place ourselves in contention for the title and strive for victory."
BELIEF IN THEIR RIDERS: "Nicolo Bulega has already demonstrated he possesses the capability to win the title, while Iker Lecuona brings a wealth of experience at just 26 years old."
Ducati maintains its stronghold in the championship landscape as we enter 2026, having just celebrated their fourth consecutive Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championships. Rather than resting on their laurels, the Italian manufacturer has introduced a new homologation of their reliable Panigale V4 R model. This latest iteration combines the established winning prowess of the Panigale V4 R, which has claimed 108 victories since its launch in 2019, with several enhancements, including a double swing arm and an upgraded front aerodynamic package.
Team Principal Stefano Cecconi remarked: "We are embarking on this new challenge knowing that we pushed ourselves to the limit until the final lap of 2025. We recognize that the upcoming season will pose significant challenges, and expectations are higher than ever, which only fuels our determination to work even harder. Unfortunately, the weather during testing limited our track time and hindered a complete exploration of the new Panigale V4R’s capabilities. However, I am optimistic that we will fulfill our planned agenda during official testing in Australia and be fully prepared for the opening weekend. I have great faith in our riders: Nicolo Bulega has already proven he has what it takes to clinch the title, and Iker Lecuona arrives with substantial experience, despite being only 26 years old—I have no doubt he will demonstrate his worth sooner rather than later. Best of luck to the entire team; we’re eager to translate our hard work into results and provide all Ducatisti with reasons to celebrate."
Luigi Dall'Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse, added: "In 2026, a fresh chapter unfolds for the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati team, driven by a clear ambition: to contest fiercely for the world riders' title and bring it back to Borgo Panigale. This is our mission: we are acutely aware of the challenges ahead and the strength of our rivals, yet we also understand what it takes to be leaders, and we have previously demonstrated this. We embrace this season with high expectations, partly due to the introduction of the new Panigale V4 R, marking a vital step in our growth and competitiveness. We have every confidence in Nicolo Bulega, who has showcased talent, consistency, and maturity, finishing as runner-up twice in Superbike, always battling until the final round. We believe he is poised to take the decisive step forward. Alongside him is Iker Lecuona, who faces the tough task of succeeding Alvaro Bautista, who remains within the Ducati Corse family, but we are unwavering in our belief in his talents. Lastly, I want to highlight last year's accomplishments in the Team and Manufacturers' World Championships: we are building upon that foundation, fueled by determination to experience another thrilling season and aiming for a third title."
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