In 2027, the WorldSBK grid is set for a major shakeup. With several MotoGP riders rumoured to be heading for the paddock, the Superbike silly season is in full swing. Next year, as many as four MotoGP riders could make the switch to WSBK. With spots strictly limited, who will be forced out, and who will hold their ground? Motorsport Week breaks down the potential grid movements.
Nicolo Bulega to swap seats with Franco Morbidelli
Just as three-time World Champion Toprak Razgatlioglu made the leap to MotoGP with Pramac, Nicolò Bulega is hoping to secure a premier-class seat of his own. The Aruba.it Ducati rider is in line to potentially replace Franco Morbidelli at VR46. Should that swap materialise, Morbidelli could head in the opposite direction, taking over the Ducati machine in WSBK.
MotoGP rider Jack Miller to replace Xavi Vierge with Yamaha
Jack Miller recently announced the conclusion of his MotoGP journey with Prima Pramac Yamaha. However, the Australian’s relationship with the Japanese manufacturer may continue in WorldSBK. The Aussie has been strongly linked with Pata Maxus Yamaha to partner with Andrea Locatelli.
Such a move would trigger Xavi Vierge’s departure from the factory outfit, though the Spaniard’s WorldSBK career is far from over. Vierge is rumoured to replace fellow countryman Alvaro Bautista at Barni Spark Racing. That transfer could effectively spell the end of Bautista’s full-time racing career. At 41 years old, the two-time World Champion will find it tough to secure another race seat, though a test rider role remains a viable option.
Danilo Petrucci considers stepping away from racing
While Miguel Oliveira’s contract was recently extended, his teammate Danilo Petrucci’s stint with BMW will come to a close at the end of the campaign. The Italian could be replaced by current KTM MotoGP rider Brad Binder, leaving Petrucci weighing up his next step, which may take him away from the paddock entirely.
“I have plenty of jobs, I just don’t have a seat! By mutual agreement with BMW, we decided not to continue together in WorldSBK. I joined the team last year because I wanted to win a championship. At 36 years old, I knew this move could either lead to the title or mark the end. With the hand injury in October and the crashes in Most or Hungary, it was the perfect storm. I couldn’t get the most out of the package. I’d like to see if BMW has an opportunity for me elsewhere. If not, I have other jobs to do.”
Rins eyeing a Ducati seat in WorldSBK
Another MotoGP rider considering a Superbike transition is Alex Rins. Following a gruelling spell with Yamaha and with premier-class seats disappearing fast, Rins is rumoured to be searching for a Ducati ride, currently the benchmark machine in WorldSBK.
His destination could be Team Go Eleven, though the Spaniard insisted in Aragón that no final decisions have been made. Rins is reportedly competing with current Go Eleven rider, Lorenzo Baldassarri, for that seat.
Though currently sidelined while recovering from a shoulder injury, Maverick Viñales remains under contract with Red Bull KTM Tech3 alongside Enea Bastianini. While the Figueres native’s tenure with the French outfit is set to conclude at the end of the season, he took to Instagram to firmly quash rumours of a potential switch to WorldSBK.
From MotoGP to WorldSBK
While MotoGP veterans bring undeniable racecraft and elite experience, adapting to WorldSBK, with its distinct circuits and format, is never a straightforward task. Should Brad Binder, Franco Morbidelli, Alex Rins, and Jack Miller all make the jump for 2027, they will enter a fiercely competitive championship, albeit one with a uniquely relaxed paddock culture.
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