In a significant move for the World Superbike Championship, Iker Lecuona has committed his future to Ducati with a new two-year contract. The Spanish rider’s impressive performances in the 2026 season have solidified his place as a key player in the Ducati lineup.
The announcement comes after Lecuona’s remarkable consistency and breakthrough victory in the British round at Donington Park. His journey from a relatively unknown rider to a top contender in WorldSBK is a testament to his skill and adaptability.
The Road to Ducati
Lecuona’s career took a pivotal turn when he joined the Racing – Ducati squad for the 2026 season. After four seasons with Honda where he faced injuries and mixed results, Lecuona found his stride with Ducati. His seamless integration into the team and rapid adaptation to the Panigale V4R bike were crucial factors in his success.
The Spaniard’s consistency was evident as he secured 20 podium finishes out of 24 races in 2026. His only non-podium finishes were in his debut race in Australia and a crash during the Tissot Superpole Race at Donington Park. Lecuona’s ability to challenge teammate Nicolo Bulega consistently made him a formidable opponent in the championship.
A Breakthrough Season
Lecuona’s breakthrough came with his first WorldSBK victory at Donington Park. This win not only marked a personal milestone but also ended Bulega’s streak of 25 consecutive wins dating back to 2026. The victory was a culmination of Lecuona’s hard work and dedication, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level.
Beyond his WorldSBK commitments, Lecuona made a notable appearance in the MotoGP Hungarian Grand Prix. Riding a 2026-spec Ducati Desmosedici for the Gresini team as an injury stand-in for Alex Marquez Lecuona delivered an impressive performance, finishing seventh. This result highlighted his versatility and readiness for future opportunities in the premier class.
The Future with Ducati
With Bulega’s future in MotoGP with the VR46 Ducati team, Lecuona is poised to take on a leadership role within the Ducati WorldSBK squad. His new two-year deal is a vote of confidence from the team, recognizing his contributions and potential for future success.
Team Principal Stefano Cecconi expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the journey with Lecuona. ‘We’re really happy to continue this journey with Iker. From the very beginning, we believed in his talent, but what truly won us over was the way he became part of the group: he adapted to the bike and to the team with surprising naturalness, always bringing the same passion, dedication and team spirit that define our garage,’ Cecconi stated.
Gigi Dall’Igna General Manager of Ducati Corse, also praised Lecuona’s contributions. ‘The confirmation of Iker for the next two seasons is an important sign for the entire Ducati project in WorldSBK. In just a few months, he has shown that he can interpret the Panigale V4R at its best, quickly turning his potential into concrete results and showing constant growth from both a technical and competitive point of view.’
As Ducati looks to complete its factory line-up in WorldSBK, Lecuona’s continued presence provides stability and a strong foundation for future challenges. The team’s focus on youth and potential aligns with their interest in riders like Moto2 points leader Manu Gonzalez indicating a strategic approach to maintaining competitiveness in the championship.
