Danilo Petrucci was made aware that he was not a candidate for the factory Ducati World Superbike Team at Balaton Park.

For the 2026 World Superbike Championship, Ducati still have an open seat in the factory Aruba.it Racing - Ducati squad.

With Nicolo Bulega already confirmed for next season, the Italian manufacturer has to decide on a second rider to partner him. However, it has been confirmed that it will not be Danilo Petrucci.

Despite holding third place in the 2025 World Superbike Championship, the Italian manufacturer would not promote him to the factory team, resulting in Petrucci attempting to move to BMW for 2026.

At the Hungarian World Superbike Round, Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Team Manager, Serafino Foti, discussed why his team did not consider Petrucci.

"We make thoughtful choices and discussed the situation together," Foti told GPOne at Balaton Park.

"He spoke to us, and as a result, our decision was not to bet on Petrucci. Obviously, hats off to Danilo, who has always shown great potential this season, fighting for podiums and top positions.

"We, however, made a different consideration projected into the future. At the moment, however, no choice has been made."

With no decision being made for the factory Ducati World Superbike team as of yet, Foti was asked if he would reveal any names under consideration for 2026.

He added: "These are confidential things and I cannot say more. I'm sorry, but I can't say anything."