Danilo Petrucci, a two-time MotoGP race winner, describes Nicolo Brega as a “phenomenon” and believes he is on the same level as Toprak Razgatlioglu. This year’s Superbike World Championship title contest featured BMW’s Toprak Razgatlioglu and Ducati’s Nicolo Brega. Razgatlioglu secured his third world title and is set to race in the 2026 MotoGP season with the Pramac Yamaha team.
Brega is considered a top contender for the 2026 World Superbike championship, with his important role testing Ducati’s MotoGP bike complementing his campaign. At the end of last season, Brega substituted for the injured Marc Marquez in two MotoGP races, scoring two points. He is expected to lead the development of an 850cc bike with Pirelli tires and join Ducati’s MotoGP lineup in 2027.
Petrucci, who has helped fellow World Superbike riders achieve MotoGP victories, emphasizes that Brega deserves as much recognition as Razgatlioglu. Speaking to Moto.it, Petrucci said, “Nicolo has shown himself to be very, very strong this year. We already knew he was strong, but he proved this year that, in my opinion, he is a phenomenon on par with Toprak, who is already in MotoGP. I think Nicolo will catch up with him quickly. Within a year, he will be there because he deserves it.” He adds his deep respect for both riders and believes both have the potential to win MotoGP races.
Petrucci won his first MotoGP race with Ducati at the 2019 Italian Grand Prix and followed that with a victory at the 2020 French Grand Prix in wet conditions. Last season, the veteran Italian rode for customer Ducati in World Superbike and will switch to BMW for the 2026 season, where he will team up with Miguel Oliveira, a five-time MotoGP race winner who is stepping down from Pramac Yamaha after losing his seat to Razgatlioglu.
Fan Take: This recognition from Petrucci highlights Brega as a rising star who could shake up the MotoGP grid in the coming years. For racing fans, the intense competition between Brega and Razgatlioglu not only fuels Superbike drama but also promises exciting talent to watch as they transition to MotoGP, potentially transforming the sport’s future.
