Danilo Petrucci and Michele Pirro have named the rider they believe Ducati should sign for the 2026 World Superbike Championship.

With the rumour mill still working away during the World Superbike summer break, two riders from Ducati have named who they believe the Italian manufacturer should target.

After announcing his departure from the Italian manufacturer, Danilo Petrucci was quick to name Iker Lecuona as the rider he believes Barni Spark Racing should sign as his replacement.

The Italian has strong beliefs that the Spaniard will 'be really competitive' on a Ducati Panigale V4 R.

"I told him Iker Lecuona," Petrucci explained to GPOne when discussing who should replace him at Barni.

"Iker is a young rider, very fast, and determined. In my opinion, he could be really competitive riding a Panigale V4."

Petrucci's opinion is also shared by the Ducati Corse Test Rider, Michele Pirro.

At the recent Balaton Park Test with the Ducati riders, the Italian was asked who he believes Ducati should sign for the 2026 World Superbike season.

"Lecuona is a young and talented rider," Pirro also told GPOne.

"He has struggled in recent seasons with Honda, having to deal with various injuries, among other things. But he's managed to prove his qualities on several occasions.

"I think he can be fast right away on the Panigale to aim for top positions."

The Barni Spark Racing Team are reportedly interested in Lecuona, but trying to convince him to leave a factory Honda Racing Corporation contract will not be done with money.

However, the opportunity to ride a proven championship-winning machine could entice the 25-year-old.