A surprise report from Balaton Park suggests that Pol Espargaro has offered his services to a factory World Superbike team.
There have been plenty of rumours across the World Superbike summer break surrounding different riders' futures; however, the latest from Balaton Park might be the most surprising.
This weekend, MotoGP are making its maiden appearance at the Balaton Park Circuit, and Red Bull KTM Test Rider, Pol Espargaro, has been on track for Red Bull KTM Tech3.
However, according to the latest reports from GPOne suggests that the Spaniard has been in contact with a new manufacturer to discuss a ride for the 2026 season.
The Italian media outlet has suggested that Espargaro has offered his services to the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati factory World Superbike squad for next season.
Espargaro took a step back from racing at the end of the 2024 MotoGP season and became a Test Rider for the Austrian manufacturer. But he believes that his racing days are not over and is now searching for a switch to the World Superbike paddock.
The Spaniard wants to enter the factory Ducati garage as Nicolo Bulega's teammate and ride the new Ducati Panigale V4 R.
On paper, this offer may seem like a potential steal for Ducati, but their original search for a replacement for Alvaro Bautista was for a younger rider. This has taken them to Iker Lecuona, who they have reportedly offered a one-year deal to for next season.
Espargaro is nine years older than Lecuona, and although he is more experienced than Lecuona, he looks at this point to be a very outside shot of landing the factory Ducati ride.
