Stefano Manzi will make his debut on a World Superbike machine at the Misano Test in a week's time.

Ahead of Round Six of the 2025 World Superbike Championship at Misano, the Superbike riders will be on track at the same circuit for a two-day test.

The test has been organised by Ducati, but all manufacturers will be present at the Misano Test.

However, there will be some changes for riders as the World Supersport Championship leader, Stefano Manzi, will appear in the Superbike Test on a Yamaha R1 for the first time.

The Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing rider leads the World Supersport Championship on the new Yamaha R9 by 40 points.

It seems almost certain that Manzi will gain a promotion to the Superbike category, after spending five years on Supersport machinery since switching from the Grand Prix paddock.

It is not clear if Manzi will get a direct promotion within Yamaha’s ranks or if he will move to a different manufacturer for his rookie World Superbike campaign.

A first test on the R1 will be crucial for Manzi and Yamaha as it could give the pairing an idea of any potential future together. This sort of test is the same move that Ducati made with Nicolo Bulega in 2023 ahead of his move to the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati squad.

Who could Manzi ride for in the World Superbike Championship?

Manzi reportedly has multiple options to enter the World Superbike Championship after his impressive start to the 2025 season with the Yamaha R9.

The obvious route for the Italian is to remain with the Japanese manufacturer and ride a Yamaha R1. However, it is unlikely that he would get the second Pata Maxus Yamaha ride alongside fellow Italian Andrea Locatelli due to sponsorship.

The next logical solution would be to place Manzi in the GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team. It is uncertain whether Remy Gardner or Dominique Aegerter will retain their ride, but it is most likely that he would replace Aegerter.

The other left-field option that could have opened up for Manzi in recent weeks is a potential move to Team Pata GoEleven. There have been recent rumours that Andrea Iannone may depart the independent Ducati squad at the end of the season after a subpar start to the year.

If the Italian does decide to walk away, then a Ducati Panigale V4 R could be too good an option to turn down.