P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The MGM Ducati team has become the latest to launch its 2026 WorldSBK season.
During this week’s WorldSBK test in Jerez, the MGM Ducati team unveiled its 2026 livery. Financial uncertainty loomed over the German team in 2025, culminating in speculations about its ability to complete the season around the Misano round. The team’s relief was assured when it secured title sponsorship for 2026, rebranding as MGM Optical Express Racing. Following Scott Redding’s departure to the PBM Ducati team in BSB, Tarran Mackenzie stepped in as his replacement. Mackenzie, who joined from the Petronas MIE Honda team post-Misano, delivered a strong finish to the 2025 World Superbike season, including top-10 finishes in all races at Jerez. Looking ahead to 2026, Mackenzie remains with the team, set to launch his World Superbike campaign at the ongoing Jerez test. Satellite Ducati riders will make their debut on the 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R in WorldSBK guise this year, with testing extending to Portimao in late January before the final trials at Phillip Island in mid-February.
