Iker Lecuona has signed a new two-year contract with Ducati's factory World Superbike team, extending his stay until the end of the 2028 season following an outstanding debut campaign with the Italian manufacturer.
The Spaniard joined Aruba.it Racing Ducati on a one-year deal for 2026 after four injury-hit seasons with Honda in WorldSBK. His move has quickly paid off, with Lecuona emerging as one of the championship's standout performers.
He has consistently challenged team-mate Nicolo Bulega throughout the season and became the only rider to beat the Italian in a race after ending Bulega's remarkable winning streak at Donington Park. The performances convinced Ducati to reward the former MotoGP rider with a long-term extension.
Ducati team principal Stefano Cecconi praised Lecuona's impact since arriving, saying the 26-year-old adapted naturally to both the bike and the team while consistently demonstrating commitment, professionalism and a strong team-first attitude.
The contract also strengthens Lecuona's position ahead of the 2027 season, when Bulega is widely expected to leave WorldSBK for MotoGP with the VR46 Ducati team. If that move materialises, Lecuona could become the leading rider in Ducati's factory Superbike programme.
Lecuona's stock also rose after making a surprise return to MotoGP earlier this season. Called up by Gresini Racing to replace the injured Alex Marquez at the Hungarian Grand Prix, he impressed by finishing seventh in his first premier class appearance in almost three years.
Although Ducati's announcement made no reference to MotoGP duties, Lecuona's strong substitute appearance has fuelled speculation that he could become one of the manufacturer's preferred replacement riders in the future. With Bulega expected to move to MotoGP full-time and veteran test rider Michele Pirro approaching the latter stages of his career, Lecuona has emerged as a logical option whenever Ducati needs a stand-in.
For now, however, Lecuona's focus remains on World Superbikes, where Ducati has placed its faith in him as a key figure for the team's future. His new deal reflects the confidence the Italian manufacturer has in a rider whose career has been revitalised since making the switch from Honda.
