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Bradley Ray Joins WorldSBK with Ducati-Supported Team

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 4:17 GMT by Crash
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, ITALY

Thursday, February 19th, 2026 - In a move that has sent ripples through the motorcycle racing world, 2024 British Superbike Champion Bradley Ray will make the leap to the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) in 2026, piloting a ride for a brand new, Ducati-supported team. The announcement, made earlier today, signifies a bold investment by the Italian manufacturer and a significant opportunity for the young British talent.

Ray's championship victory in BSB last year firmly established him as one of the UK's brightest racing prospects. While speculation had previously centered around a potential move into the World Endurance Championship, Ray has surprised many by opting to challenge himself in the fiercely competitive WorldSBK series. This decision underscores his ambition and belief in his ability to compete at the highest level of short-format circuit racing.

Ducati's formation of a new team demonstrates a commitment to expanding its presence in WorldSBK. While the manufacturer has a storied history in the championship, with multiple titles secured over the years, the creation of this new outfit suggests a desire to challenge the established order and perhaps even field a two-rider assault on the title in the future. The team's name and full rider line-up remain undisclosed, but Ducati officials have indicated that further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

"It's massively exciting for me and my family," Ray stated. "I've always dreamed of racing in WorldSBK, and to do so with Ducati is a huge honour. The opportunity to be part of a new team is also really appealing, and I can't wait to get started." Ray's enthusiasm is palpable, and his eagerness to embrace this new challenge is clear. The prospect of being a key figure in building a team from the ground up is undoubtedly a significant draw for the champion.

WorldSBK Landscape in 2026: A Challenging Frontier

Ray will enter a WorldSBK championship that is undergoing a period of transition. Jonathan Rea, a six-time WorldSBK champion, is currently in his second season with Yamaha (as of 2026), seeking to revitalize the Japanese manufacturer's challenge. Kawasaki, another major player, will be aiming to bounce back after a relatively difficult 2025 season, while Aprilia continues to demonstrate its potential with consistent front-running performances.

The Ducati Panigale V4 has proven to be a consistently competitive machine in recent years, and the new team will undoubtedly benefit from access to the latest technology and engineering support from the factory. However, success in WorldSBK requires more than just a fast bike; it demands a complete package - a skilled rider, a dedicated team, and a strategic approach to race management.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

Ray's move could potentially shake up the established pecking order in WorldSBK. His aggressive riding style and proven ability to win in challenging conditions will undoubtedly make him a threat to the established front-runners. The fact that Ducati has invested in a new team specifically to accommodate him suggests that they see a significant amount of potential in the young British rider.

The decision to forego the World Endurance Championship route, despite seemingly being a strong possibility, highlights Ray's ambition to compete in the sprint-race format of WorldSBK. Endurance racing, while demanding in its own right, requires a different skillset and a focus on consistency over long distances. Ray clearly believes his talents are best suited to the intensity and immediacy of WorldSBK.

Observers are keenly awaiting further details regarding the new Ducati team, including its official name, technical personnel, and potential second rider. The announcement of these details will provide a clearer picture of Ducati's long-term strategy for WorldSBK and their expectations for Ray's performance. The 2026 WorldSBK season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with a new contender entering the fray and the established champions looking to defend their titles. The racing world will be watching closely to see if Bradley Ray can translate his British Superbike success onto the world stage.