Waters switches Ducati camps in ASBK bombshell
The inaugural Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK) summer season has just got a whole lot spicier with the bombshell announcement that five-time champion Josh Waters has defected from McMartin Racing Ducati to join arch-rival DesmoSport Ducati.
Waters will join Olly Simpson at DesmoSport Ducati aboard the all-new Panigale V4 R, although the latter will be absent from round one at Phillip Island from October 23-25 after recently undergoing surgery to repair a neck injury. Simpson is on track to make his full-time Superbike debut at The Bend from November 13-15.
Waters switches to DesmoSport Ducati after first joining McMartin Racing in late-2022 – the start of a blazing partnership which has since yielded two Superbike championships and two runner-up finishes.
“I’m really excited to be joining DesmoSport Ducati for the 2027 ASBK season,” said Waters. “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.”
In his new environment, Waters will work alongside crew chief Adrian Monti and Charlie Hallam, Ed Williams, Ben Henry and Chris York. He will revert to his signature No. 21 as he sets his sights on a record-extending sixth Superbike title – with former teammate and reigning champion Harrison Voight again one of his main rivals.
Related: Phillip Island ASBK Rd1 entry list
DesmoSport Ducati owner, Ben Henry, is delighted to welcome Waters into the team after what has been a whirlwind few weeks putting the final touches on the 2027 ASBK roster.
“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,” said Henry.
“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.
Olly Simpson will also make his return to the Desmosport folder for the ASBK summer calendar
“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 (Ed: Troy Bayliss was the last).
“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.”
