Danilo Petrucci’s future in WorldSBK hangs in the balance, with BMW opting not to exercise its contract option, but keeping the Italian firmly in the mix for 2025. Petrucci’s manager, Alberto Vergani, has lifted the curtain on the current situation, revealing the psychological weight of Ducati’s dominance of the Superbike paddock and the personal battles its riders are facing as the championship approaches the crucial Donington round.
“BMW has not exercised the option they have on Petrucci,” Vergani confirmed, clarifying that this is not a definitive rejection, but a move to buy more time for evaluation. “The option expired at the end of June, and BMW wants to assess the situation. Danilo has not had the chance to fully show his potential due to injuries and various issues. We will see how things go at Donington and then at Magny-Cours. I think the real negotiations will start in the next month,” Vergani said.
Petrucci is not out of the picture, but the market is volatile, with many MotoGP riders potentially left without a seat and the paddock swarming with speculation. “Sven Blush wrote to me from Brno, mentioning that I could hear about contacts with other riders. This is normal – they are considering several options. But this does not mean that Petrucci is out of the running. The market is completely open right now,” Vergani said.
According to Vergani, Ducati’s grip on the championship is also shaping the rider market. “Ducati have a privileged position: they can choose whoever they want. Today, if you want to be really competitive, you have to be on a Ducati. With other bikes, it is much harder. There are big names in the market: Morbidelli, Binder, Viñales, Miller. For example, Miller has always been a favorite of Gigi Dell’Igna and could be a strong candidate if he moves to Superbike. Oliveira could also be an option. “Danilo, we’re waiting,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, Petrucci’s motivation remains strong. Vergani explained: “We spoke recently and he told me he wants to keep it going. He doesn’t want to end this project without showing what he’s really capable of. For now, we’re taking it race by race. Donington is always a turning point for us. I remember the first year with Barney, he almost wanted to quit, but after Donington went well, he completely changed his mind. This year it was again an important test. He didn’t fail the test badly, so we’ll see. There’s no point making predictions—I’m being somewhat fatalistic, let’s see how it goes;
The psychological impact of changing machinery is another recurring theme. “With this bike, there has never been true love at first sight. It is different, and it is not easy to get used to. To be honest, Ducati has demolished the morale of many people. Riders you would never think of are now at the forefront thanks to Ducati. Claudio Domenicali himself told me that this Panigale is at least half a second more per lap than the others – maybe more. Proof of this is Lecuona: With one bike he lost, with the other he is fighting for victory. And now there is Bulega, which seems almost unbeatable,” Vergani revealed.
Vergani also praised Axel Bassani, celebrating his contract renewal and development despite the so-called “post-Ducati syndrome”. “When you leave Ducati and move on to something else, comparisons are inevitable. The next step comes when you stop looking at what you have and start working with what you have. Axel has changed the crew chief, changed the trainer, and started to work better. In the team, he is seen as a talent worth investing in. I only feel sorry for Misano, that third place would have been a bigger reward,” said Vergni. Concluded.
Vergani stressed that mental strength is what differentiates champions, also citing top-level drivers such as George Russell who sometimes question their abilities. The coming rounds, starting at Donington, are going to be important for Petrucci and his rivals as the WorldSBK season heats up.
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