DesmoSport Ducati Set to See #21 on Superbike Once More

In what can only be described as an unexpected series of events over the last few weeks, Desmosport Ducati is set to add a 21 to the Superbike once more with five-time ASBK champion Josh Waters joining the team for the 2027 season. Olly Simpson, expected to contest his first full superbike season with the team, has been forced to undergo surgery to repair an off-season neck injury that will see the South Australian sit out the first round of the new summer championship, set to be held alongside MotoGP at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit this October 23-25. 

DesmoSport Ducati Team Owner, Ben Henry: "Apart from the crash at The Bend on the (Panigale) V2, Olly had a great year last season and proved to us that he could be a contender on the Superbike. We set our plans and have been actively building our new Panigale V4 R superbikes in preparation, and then he filled us in on his injury a few weeks ago and things have been a bit unknown since then. Olly has been recovering well, but you just don't take chances on neck injuries, and we all agreed, although not ideal for our plans, that not rushing back to the superbike is the best thing for him. We started discreetly putting word out that we had a position available and spoke to a few riders and their families but nothing fell into place until an off-the-cuff chat with Josh (Waters) has escalated into us agreeing to terms and we are set to see a 21 back on a DesmoSport Ducati again! I can't thank all our crew and partners enough for the support they give us, but in particular Australian Outdoor Living for coming back after a season off, and Mine Pro West for their help in enabling this deal to happen." 

DesmoSport Ducati Rider, Olly Simpson: "Obviously it's not ideal. I felt really good on the superbike, especially after finishing last season with a  podium. Ben gave me a race bike to keep working through the off-season here in Adelaide and we had a set testing schedule to get the bike up to speed so we could hit the ground running for the '27 season, but things haven't gone to plan and i haven’t ridden the Superbike since that final round. I had a damaged disc in my neck that required surgery a few weeks ago to sort it out. I'm recovering pretty good, but the timing is just too tight to risk getting on a superbike at round 1. I've been a part of the conversations about the teams plans as we've all tried to work out the best way forward and I'm looking forward to having Josh in the box this year. With 5 (ASBK) championships to his name, there's plenty to learn from him." 

DesmoSport Ducati Rider, Josh Waters: "I'm really excited to be joining DesmoSport Ducati for the 2027 ASBK season. There's a lot to be excited about, especially the opportunity to ride the all-new Panigale V4 R. I'm looking forward to working with the team and sponsors and giving it my best shot throughout the season." 

With normal entries for round 1 closed, DesmoSport Ducati have submitted a late entry into the season-opener where Josh Waters will make his debut for DesmoSport Ducati with the support of his usual Crew Chief, Adrian Monti alongside Charlie Hallam, Ed Williams, Ben Henry and Chris York. If you'd like to support Olly, head to www.RiderSupportAustralia.com.au and grab his new merch! 

Make sure you follow the team’s social media to stay up to date. 

Image Credit: RBMotoLens 

• 2027 Australian Superbike Championship 
• Round 1: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC Oct 23-25  
• Round 2: The Bend Motorsport Park, SA Nov 13-15 
• Round 3: One Raceway, NSW Dec 4-6 
• Round 4: Queensland Raceway, QLD Jan 15-17 
• Round 5: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC Feb 26-28 (TBC) 
• Round 6: Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW Mar 19-21