- Razgatlioglu’s departure to MotoGP leaves the 2026 title fight wide open.
- Six manufacturers and 22 riders line up for a fiercely competitive 12-round season.
- Phillip Island launches what could be the most unpredictable WorldSBK campaign in years.
WorldSBK 2026 launches at Phillip Island with six manufacturers, major rider changes and no reigning champion on the grid. BRM international motorsport photographer, Michael Wincott breaks down the movers and shakers before the flag drops in Australia.
The 39th season of the FIM World Superbike Championship roars into life at Phillip Island on February 21-22, launching a 12-round, 36-race campaign that promises unpredictability and intensity in equal measure. A 22-rider field representing six manufacturers underlines the depth of competition, with each marque convinced it holds the strongest rider and machine package.
The 2026 season also ushers in significant movement in the rider market, none more notable than the departure of reigning champion Toprak Razgatlioglu to MotoGP — a shift that leaves a considerable void at the front of the grid.
BMW: A New Era Begins
The ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team embarks on a new chapter under Shaun Muir with an all-new line-up. Former MotoGP race winners Miguel Oliveira and Danilo Petrucci will spearhead the factory BMW effort.
Oliveira arrives in WorldSBK following a distinguished Grand Prix career that delivered victories across all three classes and runner-up finishes in both Moto2 and Moto3. However, sustained MotoGP title contention proved elusive, often hindered by circumstance and misfortune. A switch to Superbikes presents an opportunity for renewal. If the Portuguese rider is to mount a serious championship challenge, consistent top-five finishes from the outset will be essential in what could prove a pivotal season for his career.
Alongside him, Petrucci brings experience and proven racecraft. After three competitive seasons aboard a satellite Ducati — including seven podiums in 2025 before injury curtailed his campaign — the Italian joins BMW with momentum. His technical insight and consistency could prove invaluable in developing the M 1000 RR, and he may yet emerge as a dark horse in the title race.
Ducati: Strength in Depth
Pre-season favourite Nicolo Bulega remains with Aruba.it Racing Ducati for a third consecutive year. The 26-year-old enjoyed his strongest campaign in 2025, securing 14 race victories yet finishing runner-up for the second successive season. Having come close to unsettling Razgatlioglu’s title charge, Bulega enters 2026 determined to convert speed into silverware.
He is joined by former MotoGP rider Iker Lecuona, who replaces Alvaro Bautista. Lecuona spent four seasons developing Honda machinery, claiming two podiums and a pole position. A move to Ducati equipment could unlock his full potential and place him in regular podium contention.
With a champion departed, new alliances formed and several riders’ seeking redemption, the 2026 season is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
Bautista, meanwhile, switches to the Barni Spark Racing Team. Despite a winless 2025 campaign, his consistency secured third overall in the standings. Even within an independent structure, the Spaniard will expect to remain a factor at the sharp end.
Sam Lowes, now firmly established in Superbikes after a challenging debut season, concluded 2025 eighth overall and second among independent riders. Greater consistency could elevate the Briton into genuine title contention. Ducati’s satellite presence is further strengthened by Tarran Mackenzie (MGM), Alberto Surra (MotoCorsa) and Lorenzo Baldassarri (Go Eleven).
Honda, Yamaha, Bimota and Kawasaki
HRC Honda fields an entirely new pairing in Jake Dixon and Somkiat Chantra. Dixon arrives from Moto2 with 22 podiums and seven victories to his name and will aim to accelerate Honda’s resurgence. Chantra, Thailand’s first full-time WorldSBK rider, faces a delayed start due to pre-season injury but is expected to challenge for regular top-ten finishes once acclimatised.
Yamaha retains Andrea Locatelli, fresh from his maiden Superbike victory, and adds Xavi Vierge. The pairing blends stability and experience, though questions remain over whether the R1 can consistently challenge Ducati and BMW.
Reigning World Supersport Champion Stefano Manzi has made the step into the Superbike Championship for 2026. The first of the year will be a learning experience, by mid-year expect him to be regularly inside the top ten. He will be supported by former Moto2 Champion Remy Gardner, who enters his fourth year in the Championship.
The Bimota factory had a standout year in 2025, with an excellent return to World Superbikes. The team have retained both Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani who both showed they could compete at the front. In 2025, Lowes finished on the podium several times while Bassani, showed excellent pace. In 2026, both riders will be looking to build there had work from last season and will be expected to compete at the front.
Kawasaki’s hopes rest with Garrett Gerloff aboard the updated ZX-10RR. After flashes of promise last season, greater consistency will be required if he is to contend inside the top five.
With a champion departed, new alliances formed and several riders’ seeking redemption, the 2026 season is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Multiple race winners appear likely across the 36-race calendar, and the competitive balance between six manufacturers ensures that no single package holds a clear advantage heading into the opener. Emerging talents, proven veterans and ambitious newcomers combine to create a grid rich in storylines and potential. If recent seasons are any indication, the World Superbike Championship will once again deliver breathtaking racing, fierce rivalries and drama from lights out to the final chequered flag — reaffirming its status as one of the most thrilling spectacles in world motorsport.
BRM Prediction: Top 5 Title Contenders for 2026
With Razgatlioglu gone and the crown vacant, this could be the most open WorldSBK title fight in years. On paper, these are the riders most likely to emerge as genuine championship threats.
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing Ducati)
Fourteen wins in 2025 and runner-up for the second year running. Bulega has the speed, maturity and the best-developed package on the grid. If he tidies up the small mistakes, this is his title to lose.
Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad)
A MotoGP race winner stepping into a factory BMW seat. If the M 1000 RR proves competitive from Round One and Oliveira adapts quickly to Pirelli control tyres and race format, he could immediately be in the mix.
Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad)
Petrucci’s racecraft and experience are serious assets. If consistency improves and injuries stay away, he’s more than capable of stringing together podiums — and podiums win championships.
Andrea Locatelli (Yamaha)
Finally a race winner in Superbikes and long regarded as a steady points accumulator. If Yamaha finds a little more outright pace, Locatelli could quietly become a serious title player.
Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Ducati)
Even on independent machinery, Bautista’s experience and consistency keep him relevant. He may not dominate, but he will capitalise when others falter.
Dark Horse
Jake Dixon (Honda)
The Moto2 race winner brings momentum and aggression. If Honda’s development trajectory continues upward, Dixon could surprise a few established names.
