Luca Bernardi joins Barni Racing Ducati for next two WorldSBK seasons

Impressive World Supersport rookie Luca Bernardi will officially move up to World Superbike next season after agreeing to join Barni Racing Ducati. 

The Italian team initially started the year with former Moto2 world champion and MotoGP rider Tito Rabat, however, the two parties ended their partnership following round eight in Magny-Cours. 

Samuele Cavalieri was brought in to replace the Spaniard and therefore conclude the final few races for the team, before Bernardi now takes over in 2022. 

The young Sammarinese rider has agreed a two-year deal with Barni Racing despite missing the last three WorldSSP rounds due to an injury he suffered at the start of race two in Magny-Cours. 

But with that said, the 20 year-old remains sixth in the championship and was a regular top five and podium challenger before the French round. 

Speaking after his confirmed WorldSBK deal, Bernardi added: "Racing in Superbike is a dream that has come true. I decided to accept the offer from the Barni Racing Team because they proved to me that they believe in my growth more than anyone else.

"Marco Barnabo (Barni Racing Team Manager) stood by me even after the Magny-Cours crash, and he decided to bet on me even after the accident. 

"I want to thank him for this opportunity, and I’ll try to adapt quickly to the bike, trying to be competitive as soon as possible. 

"I'm looking forward to getting to know the team and I hope to start working with them very soon."