Five-Time Australian Superbike Champion Josh Waters Invited to Lenovo Race of Champions at World Ducati Week in Misano

• Josh Waters will represent Australia at the Lenovo Race of Champions in Misano.
• The event is part of Ducati ’s centenary celebrations at World Ducati Week 2026.
• Waters will compete against leading MotoGP™ and World Superbike Ducati riders.

Sydney, (Australia), June 3rd 2026: Ducati Australia is proud to announce that five-time Australian Superbike Champion Josh Waters will join an elite line-up of Ducati riders at the Lenovo Race of Champions, taking place during World Ducati Week 2026 at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli on July 4–5, 2026.  

As part of Ducati’s landmark centenary celebrations, this year’s Race of Champions is shaping up to be the most spectacular edition yet. Since its debut in 2018, the event has captivated Ducatisti around the world by bringing together Ducati’s leading talents from MotoGP™ and World Superbike competition to battle on identical Ducati machinery.  

Waters, one of Australia’s most accomplished motorcycle racers and a dominant force in the Australian Superbike Championship aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R of Craig McMartin Racing, has been invited to represent Australia on the global stage in recognition of his outstanding achievements and continued success. His inclusion highlights Ducati’s commitment to celebrating riders from across its international racing community.  

“It’s an incredible honour for Josh Waters to be invited to the Lenovo Race of Champions,” said Alana Baratto, Head of Marketing at Ducati Australia. “As a five-time Australian Superbike Champion, Josh embodies the passion, performance and racing excellence that define Ducati around the world. To see him involved in our centenary celebrations at World Ducati Week makes this occasion even more meaningful for both Ducati Australia and Australian Ducatisti.”  

This year’s event will feature an exciting, revised format designed to increase competition and fan engagement, with Free Practice and Qualifying scheduled for Saturday, July 4, followed by Warm-Up and the Official Race on Sunday, July 5. Fans attending World Ducati Week will see some of the world’s top riders push identical machines to their limits, making the outcome a true test of pure racing talent. All competitors will ride the Ducati Panigale V4 S the same model that set a stunning benchmark lap of 1’35”0 by Iannone two years ago, a time less than four seconds off Marc Márquez’s official record of 1'31"290 set in 2025.  

Waters will line up alongside an extraordinary field of Ducati stars, including Marc Márquez, Francesco Bagnaia, Michele Pirro, Alex Márquez, Fermín Aldeguer, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli, Nicolò Bulega, Álvaro Bautista, Cameron Beaubier and Hafizh Syahrin. Waters’ participation further reinforces the global reach of Ducati’s racing legacy and gives fans the opportunity to see one of Australia’s finest riders compete against some of the biggest names in international motorcycle racing.  

“Being part of Ducati’s 100th anniversary celebrations at Misano is something truly special,” said Josh Waters. “To line up alongside some of the world’s best Ducati riders and represent Australia on such a significant occasion is an incredible experience. I am looking forward to embracing the passion that makes Ducati unique and being part of what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable Race of Champions.”  

World Ducati Week 2026 will mark a historic milestone as Ducati celebrates a century of innovation, performance and racing heritage. With a packed program of on-track action, fan experiences and global Ducati community celebrations, this year’s event is set to be the biggest World Ducati Week ever staged. Find out more about Lenovo Race of Champions and World Ducati Week at ducati.com/au.