The MGM Ducati team has launched its 2026 WorldSBK season in Jerez, revealing its new livery and a new title sponsor.

The MGM team faced financial uncertainty in the middle of 2025, with suggestions around the Misano race last May that the team might not finish the season.

Soon after, Scott Redding left the team to go and race in BSB at the PBM Ducati team. He was replaced by Tarran Mackenzie, who finished the season with three top-10s in Jerez and remains with the German team for 2026.

The new addition for the satellite Ducati team this year is Optical Express as title sponsor, which was revealed in the team’s 2026 launch presentation at Jerez during the WorldSBK test at the Andalusian circuit.

The team’s livery remains with the same black and blue colours as last year, but with some more prominent red on the fairing.

“It’s great to finally announce the new partnership with Optical Express and MGM Performance,” said Mackenzie ahead of what will be his third season in WorldSBK.

“Everyone’s been working so hard in the background over the winter to prepare everything for the new season, so it’s great to finally show the new colours. 

“I know the new Ducati Panigale V4 R will be exceptional, and to have such strong backing behind me for 2026 gives me huge confidence. We have four days of testing in Europe before heading to Australia, so I can’t wait to kick things off and get the season underway.”

MGM Performance Team Principal Michael Galinski added: “We are really looking forward to the new season. Being able to work with such a strong partner as Optical Express naturally gives us an even bigger boost. 

“We want to try to work our way up from top-10 finishes, and I believe that Tarran has what it takes, and we have the technical capabilities to do so. So, we are eagerly looking forward to the new season, the first race at Phillip Island, and then the European rounds.”