THE FUTURE IS NOW: Four fan-favourite riders have changed it up and landed a new seat for 2026!
Four podium-winning riders have traded in their old leathers for new colours this offseason for a new opportunity
The silly season for the 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship grid did not disappoint, as along with the exciting new faces joining the paddock, four prominent riders have moved teams. The new look will give fans an interesting insight into how different riding styles mesh with new bikes and new personnel in their garage as they all seek the same goal: being named World Champions in October.
PETRUCCI SECURES FACTORY DREAM: ‘Petrux’ swaps Independent Ducati for factory BMW
Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) departed Barni Spark Racing Team squad, his home for the past three seasons, stepping into the high-flying BMW garage after their second world title in two years. Jumping atop the M1000RR with his new teammate Miguel Oliveira, the pair strive to keep the title in the German manufacturer’s hands. To do so, ‘Petrux’ will have to adapt quickly; but, if there’s one thing we can be certain of, it’s the Italian knows how to do so. Having jumped from STK1000 to MotoGP to the Dakar Rally and then to WorldSBK, via MotoAmerica, he’s got a dab hand in getting up to speed on whatever challenge he faces.
ONE IN, ONE OUT FOR BARNI DUCATI: Bautista slots in after Petrucci’s departure
Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) made a move out of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati garage after his storied time there, during which he claimed two World Championships and raised his tally to 63 wins, making him the rider with the third-most wins ever. As he leaves his factory Ducati home behind, he joins forces with Yari Montella inside the Barni Ducati box, meaning while he prepares for his first season on an Independent bike, he maintains the continuity he’s built up atop the Panigale V4 R. This season will be an interesting test for Bautista and the Independent squad alike as now with a World Champion in their box, can they compete with the factory squad and the posse of top riders from other manufacturers?
LECUONA AND VIERGE BID ADIEU TO HONDA HRC: Lecuona suits up in red; Vierge opts for blue
After four years together with Honda HRC, Spanish duo Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge have both departed the factory Honda box with moves that at last put to rest all of the silly season rumours circulating about them. Lecuona perhaps got the most coveted seat, linking up with Nicolo Bulega at the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, where he put the #7 back on the front of the Ducati; joining the likes of Pierfrancesco Chili, 2011 Champion Carlos Checa and, more recently, Chaz Davies. His former teammate Xavi Vierge instead swapped Japanese manufacturers, moving to Pata Maxus Yamaha. The seat opened up following the retirement of the legendary Jonathan Rea, and it appears the #97 has slotted in well on the R1, immediately finding pace in winter testing. Riding the podium-proven bike, Vierge will have an interesting opportunity to go head-to-head with his teammate, Andrea Locatelli, and push each other to improve.
Catch these familiar faces with their new teams with live race streams and full session uploads with the WorldSBK VideoPass!
