Waters to compete in Race of Champions at World Ducati Week 2026

Five-time Australian Superbike champion Josh Waters will join an elite line-up of Ducati riders at the Lenovo Race of Champions during World Ducati Week 2026 at Misano on July 4-5.

As part of Ducati’s landmark centenary celebrations, this year’s Race of Champions is shaping up to be the most spectacular yet as Waters goes into battles against the likes of Marc Márquez, Francesco Bagnaia, Alex Márquez, Fermín Aldeguer, Fabio Di Giannantonio, Franco Morbidelli, Nicolò Bulega and Álvaro Bautista on identical Panigale V4 Ss.

“Being part of Ducati’s 100th anniversary celebrations at Misano is something truly special,” said 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.”

The Race of Champions began in 2018, with three-time WorldSBK champion Troy Bayliss competing in the inaugural event – with his #21 Panigale S then going on to fetch mega bucks at an auction.

Now the rare honour has been extended to Waters against the best in the business.

“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.”

Just one week before the Race of Champions, Waters will be competing in the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli grand finale at Queensland Raceway, where he will be locked in a battle for SW-Motech Superbike honours with teammate Harrison Voight.

Voight leads Waters by 24pts with two races remaining.

Images: RbMotoLens